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Definition of amuse

amuse

/əˈmjuːz/
a · muse
Adverb:amusingly
•
Adjective:amusing
•
Past Simple:amused
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Past Participle:amused
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Present Participle:amusing
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amuse Lexical Profile

amuse Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To cause someone to find something funny or entertaining, often eliciting smiles or laughter.

Example

"The comedian's clever observational humor never failed to amuse the audience."

2

To keep someone occupied or engaged in an agreeable way so as to pass the time pleasantly.

Example

"During the rainy afternoon, the children had to amuse themselves with board games and puzzles."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for amuse

• Nearby Words

amu darya
amulet
amur
amuse
amused
amusedly
amusement

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Old French 'amuser', literally meaning 'to cause to stare stupidly' or 'to distract', formed from 'a-' (to) and 'muser' (to ponder or stare fixedly). It originally meant to deceive or delude someone by holding their attention before shifting in the 17th century to its modern sense of pleasant entertainment.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Amuse. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/amuse
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