bemuse

[bih-myooz]

verb (used with object)

bemused, bemusing 

1. to bewilder or confuse.

2. to preoccupy; engross.

3. to cause to be mildly amused, especially in a detached way.

   Apparently bemused by his critics, he floated above the clamor surrounding the campaign.

bemuse

/ bɪˈmjuːz /

verb

1. (tr) to confuse; bewilder

Confusables Note

The verb bemuse (usually as the adjective bemused ) is similar in sound to amuse , and has in fact taken on the meaning "to cause to be mildly amused." Many usage experts and traditionalists consider this a misuse of bemuse , pointing out that its proper meaning is “to bewilder or confuse.” However, the history and use of bemuse has shown that its meaning is often ambiguous. It's often the case that one's feelings are a combination of bewilderment and amusement: Their customs bemuse most Americans. Even when it clearly means "to bewilder or confuse," bemuse usually retains a lighthearted tone: one would not typically say: I was bemused by his motive for the murder.

Other Word Forms

• bemusing adjective
• bemusement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bemuse¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; be- + muse

Example Sentences

In an interview with GQ last year, he revealed he had been slightly bemused by the experience.

From BBC

She said many people in Maghera had been left "bemused and confused".

From BBC

The trio embraced before Scheffler retrieved his hat and left the green with a bemused Bennett nestled in the crook of his left arm.

From BBC

Itoje, who returns to the lions side for Wednesday's game against the Brumbies, was also asked if he is bemused at the way people react to Farrell.

From BBC

Piastri was bemused by the penalty, because all drivers know the leader's actions dictate things for those behind in this sort of situation, even if there are rules to follow.

From BBC

Related Words

• amaze 
• bewilder 
• daze 
• muddle 
• perplex 
• puzzle 
• stun 
• stupefy