Bemusement

/bɪˈmjuːzmənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A state of confusion or puzzlement.
She looked at him in bemusement, unsure of how to respond to his unexpected question.
A feeling of bewilderment.
His bemusement grew as he tried to make sense of the complicated instructions.
The act of being bemused; a feeling of amusement mixed with confusion.
There was a bemusement in the audience as the comedian delivered his peculiar punchlines.

Etymology

Derived from the verb 'bemuse', meaning to confuse or bewilder.

Common Phrases and Expressions

in a state of bemusement:
Experiencing confusion or bewilderment.
look of bemusement:
A facial expression indicating confusion.
bemusement at the situation:
Feeling bewildered by circumstances.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

In the dark
After that explanation, I was totally in the dark about what he meant.
Lost in thought
She looked lost in thought, clearly bemused by the whole situation.