Ghost

Definition

Ghost refers to the spirit or soul of a deceased person that is believed to appear in visible form or manifest in other ways. It can also mean something fleeting, faint, or intangible, as well as a verb indicating the act of ending communication without explanation.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɡoʊst/
• Respelling: gohst

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɡəʊst/
• Respelling: gohst

Etymology

The word "ghost" originates from the Old English "gāst," meaning "spirit" or "soul," which is related to the Proto-Germanic "*gaistaz*" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*gheis-" (to be excited, amazed, or frightened). Its spiritual and spectral connotations have persisted into modern usage.

Derivatives

• Ghostly (adjective)
• Ghosting (verb)
• Ghostwriter (noun)
• Ghostliness (noun)
• Ghosted (verb, past tense)

Synonyms

• Spirit
• Phantom
• Specter

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The word "ghost" is widely used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. For example, "The old house is said to be haunted by a ghost," or "He decided to ghost his friends to avoid confrontation."

Related Terms

• Haunt: A place frequently visited by a ghost or spirit.
• Poltergeist: A type of ghost believed to cause physical disturbances.
• Apparition: A supernatural appearance of a person or thing.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The spirit of a dead person appearing to the living: Refers to a supernatural entity.
  • Example: "They claimed to have seen a ghost in the abandoned mansion."
• A faint or shadowy resemblance of something: Describes something barely visible or tangible.
  • Example: "The clouds formed a ghost of their former shape."
• A person hired to write or create for another without credit: Refers to a "ghostwriter."
  • Example: "The autobiography was written by a ghost."

Verb

• To abruptly cut off communication with someone: Refers to ending interaction without explanation.
  • Example: "She felt hurt when he ghosted her after the first date."
• To appear faintly or indistinctly: Describes something fleeting or ephemeral.
  • Example: "A shadow ghosted across the wall."