Bemuse
/bɪˈmjuːz/noun
To puzzle, confuse, or mildly bewilder someone.
Did you know?The word was once tied to the idea of being put into a muse-like state, not just being confused, which is why it still carries that dreamy, slightly enchanted feeling.
Etymological Timeline
16th Century
English
bemuse
“To confuse, puzzle, or stupefy, especially as if with a spell or daze.”
Late 15th Century
English
muse
“To think deeply, ponder, or stare fixedly in thought.”
Late Latin
Latin
mūsāre
“To be at a loss, gape, or wonder.”
Classical Latin
Latin
mūsa
“A Muse; one of the inspiring goddesses of poetry and the arts.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μοῦσα (moûsa)
“Muse, an inspiring goddess or source of artistic inspiration.”