Loading..

Loading...

American Dictionary of the English Language

Dictionary Search

Amuse


AMU'SE, verb transitive s as z. [Gr. and Latin musso.]

1. To entertain the mind agreeably; to occupy or detain attention with agreeable objects, whether by singing, conversation, or a show of curiosities. Dr.Johnson remarks, that amuse implies something less lively than divert, and less important than please. Hence it is often said, we are amused with trifles.

2. To detain; to engage the attention by hope or expectation; as, to amuse one by flattering promises.