The feeling of being entertained or made to laugh. It can also refer to things that provide fun, such as games, rides, or shows.
From French *amusement*, based on *amuser* (“to amuse, divert”). It carried the sense of diversion or pastime before settling on pleasant entertainment.
“Amusement” is structured escapism: activities designed to pull your mind away from everyday concerns. That’s why we call big fun centers “amusement parks”—they’re factories of distraction. The word suggests that sometimes, not paying attention is exactly the point.
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