amuse
[ uh-myooz ]
/ əˈmyuz /
verb (used with object), a·mused, a·mus·ing.
to hold the attention of (someone) pleasantly; entertain or divert in an enjoyable or cheerful manner: She amused the guests with witty conversation.
to cause mirth, laughter, or the like, in: The comedian amused the audience with a steady stream of jokes.
to cause (time, leisure, etc.) to pass agreeably.
Archaic. to keep in expectation by flattery, pretenses, etc.
Obsolete.
- to engross; absorb.
- to puzzle; distract.
Nearby words
amur, amur cork tree, amur privet, amurca, amusable, amuse, amuse-bouche, amuse-gueule, amused, amusement, amusement arcade
Related formsa·mus·a·ble, adjectivea·mus·er, nounun·a·mus·a·ble, adjectiveun·a·mus·a·bly, adverb
Synonym study
Amuse, divert, entertain mean to occupy the attention with something pleasant. That which amuses is usually playful or humorous and pleases the fancy. Divert implies turning the attention from serious thoughts or pursuits to something light, amusing, or lively. That which entertains usually does so because of a plan or program that engages and holds the attention by being pleasing and sometimes instructive.
Usage note
See bemuse.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for amuse
British Dictionary definitions for amuse
amuse
/ (əˈmjuːz) /
verb (tr)
to keep pleasantly occupied; entertain; divert
to cause to laugh or smile
Word Origin for amuse
C15: from Old French amuser to cause to be idle, from muser to muse 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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