Amusement

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Amuse vb [MF amuser, fr. OF, fr. a- [fr. ofL ad-) + musere to muse] vt [15c] 1a archaic: to divert the attention of so as to deceive b obs: to occupy the attention of: Absorb c obs: Distract, Bewilder 2a: to entertain or occupy in a light, playful, or pleasant manner [__ the child with a story] b: to appeal to the sense of humor of [the joke doesn't __ me] -vi obs: Muse -syn. Amuse, Divert, Entertain mean to pass or cause to pass the time pleasantly. Amuse suggests that one's attention is engaged lightly or frivolously [amuse yourselves while I prepare dinner]. Divert implies the distracting of the attention from worry or routine occupation esp. by something funny [a light comedy to divert the tired businessman]. Entertain suggests supplying amusement or diversion by specially prepared or contrived methods [a magician entertaining children at a party].