Bemuse

Pronunciation

UK IPA: /bÉªËˆmjuËz/, /bÉ™ËˆmjuËz/

Origin

From - + muse. In meaning, influenced by bemaze.

Full definition of bemuse

Verb

(transitive) To confuse or bewilder.

1735 A parson much be-mus'd in beer. — Alexander Pope, Satires of Dr. Donne versified
1771 With fairy tales bemused the shepherd lies. — James Foot, Penseroso
1847 The bad metaphysics with which they bemuse themselves. — Hugh Miller, First Impressions of England and its people

(archaic, humorous) To devote to the Muses.

1705 When those incorrigible things, Poets, are once irrecoverably Be-mus'd. — Alexander Pope, Letters