Main Entry: amuse

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈmyüz\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): amused; amus·ing

Etymology: Middle French amuser, from Old French, from a- (from 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 \-ˈmyü-zəd-lē\ 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>.