Pronunciations (3)
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/bɪˈmjuːz/
Pronunciation notes
- UK
- US
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/bəˈmjuːz/
Pronunciation notes
- UK
- US
-
bɪˈmjuːz
Verb
To confuse or bewilder.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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[With] fairy tales bemused the shepherd lies.
the bad metaphysics with which they bemuse themselves
More examples (1)
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.
To be amused, especially sardonically.
Usage- proscribed
- sometimes
- Transitive
To devote to the Muses.
Usage- Archaic
- Humorous
- Examples
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When those incorrigible things, Poets, are once irrecoverably Be-mus'd
To make drunk; to intoxicate.
Usage- Obsolete
- Slang
- Transitive
- Examples
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a parson much be-mus'd in beer
This old man generally bemused himself in beer, once a fortnight.
More examples (1)
[…] 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.
Verb
cause to be confused emotionally
- Synonyms
- Broader terms