'amuse' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'amuser,' where 'a-' meant 'at' and 'muser' meant 'to ponder or stare.'

'amuser' transformed into the Middle English word 'amusen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'amuse.'

Initially, it meant 'to cause someone to muse or ponder,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to entertain or make someone laugh.'