a|mus´er

a|muse «uh MYOOZ», transitive verb, a|mused, a|mus|ing.

1. to cause to laugh or smile: »

The playful puppy running around the room amused the baby.

2. to keep pleasantly interested; cause to feel cheerful or happy; entertain: »

The new toys amused the children.

3. to cause (time) to pass pleasantly; while away.

4. Archaic. to divert so as to deceive; beguile.

5. Obsolete. a) to bewilder. b) to engage the attention of; attract.

╂[< Old French amuser divert < a- to + muser gape]

–a|mus´a|ble, adjective.

–a|mus´er, noun.

Synonym Study 2 Amuse, entertain mean to keep pleasantly interested. Amuse emphasizes the idea of passing time by keeping one's attention occupied with something interesting and pleasing and at the same time light and trivial: »

While waiting, she amused herself by counting the cars that passed.

Entertain emphasizes greater effort or more elaborate means to hold attention: »

Some people entertain themselves by reading; others are entertained by the radio or television.