DictionaryAI

amuse

verb
USuh-MYOOZ/əˈmjuːz/

Formsamuses, amusing, amused

4 meanings of amuse

Practice

  1. 1
    verbtransitive
    To keep someone happy and entertained in a fun way.

    Like a fun game that keeps a child happy and busy.

    Simple games can amuse a toddler for hours.

    The clown amused the children with silly tricks.

    Similarentertain, delight, divert, charm

    Oppositebore

    Note
  2. 2
    verbtransitive
    To make someone laugh or smile because something is funny.

    Like a joke that makes everyone in the room giggle.

    That funny video can amuse almost anyone.

    His jokes amused the whole class.

    Similartickle, entertain

  3. 3
    verbarchaictransitive
    To trick someone by keeping them hoping for something that will not come.
    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    verbarchaictransitive
    To take up all of someone's attention, or to confuse and distract them.

    Grief and fear can amuse a person until they forget where they are going.

    the enemies were amused on the fires that our men made
    1659, Livy, The Romane HistorieHere, amused means kept fully busy watching, so their attention was taken and they were fooled.
    Note

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Origin

It came through Old French amuser, meaning to stupefy or waste time, from muser (to stare, gape, or loiter). Its deeper origin is uncertain.