amuse·ment \-zmənt\noun (-s) Usage:often attributive Etymology: French, from Middle French, from amuser + -ment 1.obsolete a.: bewilderment b.: diversion of the attention (as from the truth or one's real intent) : distraction 2. a.: a means of amusing or entertaining < what are your favorite amusements > b.: the condition of being amused < his amusement knew no bounds > c.: pleasurable diversion : entertainment < he plays the piano for his own amusement >