amuse

/əˈmjuz/

/əˈmjuz/

Other forms: amused; amusing; amuses

If you enjoy making people laugh, you like to amuse them, which is a good trait to have as long as you don't amuse people during a math test or other solemn occasion.

The verb amuse also means to keep busy in a pleasant way. You might amuse yourself during a long driving trip by playing the alphabet game, where you try to find all the letters from A to Z on roadside signs. If you are a passenger on a plane, you could amuse yourself with a movie on your computer. Just don't get them mixed up and try to watch a movie when you are driving.

Definitions of amuse

1. verb

   occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion
   “The play amused the ladies”

   synonyms: disport, divert, regale

   type of:

   entertain

   provide entertainment for
2. verb

   make (somebody) laugh
   “The clown amused the children”

   types:

   convulse

   make someone convulse with laughter

   type of:

   cheer, cheer up, jolly along, jolly up

   cause (somebody) to feel happier or more cheerful