Bemuse

/bɪˈmjuːz/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) To confuse or bewilder..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To confuse or bewilder.
2. (transitive, sometimes proscribed) To be amused, especially sardonically.
3. (archaic, humorous) To devote to the Muses.
4. (obsolete, slang, transitive) To make drunk; to intoxicate.

Example Sentences

[With] fairy tales bemused the shepherd lies.

the bad metaphysics with which they bemuse themselves

With regard to definition-writing students, as a result of having spent years padding out written assignments in order to meet word-length requirements, were somewhat bemused to be told that fewer words were better than a long, wordy definition.

When those incorrigible things, Poets, are once irrecoverably Be-mus'd

a parson much be-mus'd in beer

This old man generally bemused himself in beer, once a fortnight.

[…] more innocently, and no doubt profitably, than if he had dined at a big-wig's board or bemused himself with smoke and beer among his brethren of the pen.

Synonyms for bemuse

Antonyms for bemuse

Related Words

Word Forms

• bemuses
• bemusing
• bemused

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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