amuse

[uh-myooz]

verb (used with object)

amused, amusing 

1. to hold the attention of (someone) pleasantly; entertain or divert in an enjoyable or cheerful manner.

   She amused the guests with witty conversation.

   Synonyms: cheer, charm, please

2. to cause mirth, laughter, or the like, in.

   The comedian amused the audience with a steady stream of jokes.

3. to cause (time, leisure, etc.) to pass agreeably.

4. Archaic.,  to keep in expectation by flattery, pretenses, etc.

5. Obsolete.

   1. to engross; absorb.

   2. to puzzle; distract.

amuse

/ əˈmjuːz /

verb

1. to keep pleasantly occupied; entertain; divert

2. to cause to laugh or smile

Confusables Note

See bemuse.

Other Word Forms

• amusable adjective
• amuser noun
• unamusable adjective
• unamusably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of amuse¹

First recorded in 1470–80; from Middle French amuser “to divert”; equivalent to a- ⁵ + muse

Word History and Origins

Origin of amuse¹

C15: from Old French amuser to cause to be idle, from muser to _muse ¹

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.

Example Sentences

That seemed to amuse Camilla, but Charles and Johnson were said to have had a frosty relationship, including a dispute over his government's plan to process asylum applications in Rwanda years later.

From BBC

While some people on social media were amused by line of questioning, others questioned whether it could be interpreted as racist or misogynistic.

From BBC

Using his rugged vocal delivery, Montana peppers his lyrics with amusing vulgarities.

From Los Angeles Times

Many of the fans complied, with TV footage showing a lot of them appearing to be more amused than enraged by the situation.

From Los Angeles Times

The chain presents itself as more local than it is, a feat that’s both amusing and impressive in an era of corporate sameness.

From Salon

Related Words

• charm 
• cheer 
• delight 
• gratify 
• please 
• regale 
• tickle 
• wow