呆ける

惚ける、 耄ける

Readings

Kana: ぼける、ほうける、ボケる

Romaji: bokeru, houkeru, bokeru

Definitions

v1

vi

1

to grow senile; to be childish with age

Note: word usually written using kana alone

2

to be mentally slow; to be befuddled

Note: word usually written using kana alone

3

to play stupid; to say something stupid (oft. on purpose; esp. as part of a comedic routine)

Note: word usually written using kana alone

4

to become engrossed (in something)

Kanji

呆

Readings: ホウ、 ほけ.る、 ぼ.ける、 あき.れる、 おろか

Meanings: be amazed, disgusted, shocked

惚

Readings: コツ、 ほけ.る、 ぼ.ける、 ほ.れる

Meanings: fall in love with, admire, grow senile

耄

Readings: ボウ、 モウ、 おいぼ.れる

Meaning: senility

Example Sentences

彼(かれ)はこのごろ頭(あたま)がぼけてきた。

➥He had grown senile recently.

最近(さいきん)、物忘(ものわす)れが激(はげ)しくて。少(すこ)しぼけて来(き)たのかな？

➥Could I be going soft in the head? I forget things so easily these days.

台所(だいどころ)でころんで以来(いらい)彼女(かのじょ)はぼけてしまった。

➥Ever since she fell in the kitchen, she hasn't been all there.