v.
Pronunciation: ə - ' myüz
Function: verb
Inflected Form: amused ; amus · ing
Etymology: Middle French amuser, from Old French, from a- (fr. Latin ad- ) + muser to muse
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
1 a archaic : to divert the attention of so as to deceive b obsolete : to occupy the attention of : ABSORB c obsolete : DISTRACT , BEWILDER
2 a : to entertain or occupy in a light, playful, or pleasant manner < amuse the child with a story> b : to appeal to the sense of humor of <the joke doesn't amuse me>
intransitive verb obsolete : MUSE
– amus · ed · ly \ - ' myü-z ə d-l ē \ adverb
– amus · er noun
synonyms AMUSE , DIVERT , ENTERTAIN mean to pass or cause to pass the time pleasantly. AMUSE suggests that one's attention is engaged lightly or frivolously < amuse yourselves while I prepare dinner>. DIVERT implies the distracting of the attention from worry or routine occupation especially by something funny <a light comedy to divert the tired businessman>. ENTERTAIN suggests supplying amusement or diversion by specially prepared or contrived methods <a magician entertaining children at a party>.