[amuse] vb amused ; amus.ing [MF amuser, fr. OF, fr. a- (fr. L ad-) + muser to muse] vt (15c) 1 a archaic: to divert the attention of so as to deceive b obs: to occupy the attention of: absorb c obs: distract, bewilder
2. a: to entertain or occupy in a light, playful, or pleasant manner "~ the child with a story" b: to appeal to the sense of humor of "the joke doesn't ~ me" ~ vi, obs: muse -- amus.ed.ly adv -- amus.er n -- amus.ive adj syn 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 esp. 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".