Meaning & Definition
verb
To entertain or cause someone to find something funny.
The comedian's jokes never failed to amuse the audience.
To cause someone to experience enjoyment or pleasure.
She tried to amuse the children with stories and games.
To engage someone's attention in a pleasant way.
The colorful puppets helped to amuse the kids during the show.
Etymology
From Middle French 'amuser', meaning to divert or distract.
Common Phrases and Expressions
amuse oneself:
To occupy oneself with something enjoyable.
to amuse someone to tears:
To entertain someone to the point of extreme laughter.
Slang Meanings
To joke around or have fun.
We just wanted to amuse a bit before the show.
To mess around playfully.
They were amusing with each other all night.