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

bemuse
To confuse or bewilder someone.
amuse
To entertain or make someone laugh.
confuse
To make someone unable to think clearly.

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.