Eerier: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Old English 'eory', meaning 'to shiver' or 'to tremble'.
• It was first recorded in the 19th century, associated with an atmosphere of fear.
• The comparative form 'eerier' suggests that something is scarier than another spooky thing.

Literature and Film

• Gothic literature often uses eerier settings, like haunted castles, to evoke feelings of dread.
• Many horror films utilize eerier sounds, such as whispers or creaking doors, to amplify tension.
• Classic novels like 'Dracula' feature eerier landscapes that enhance the mood of fear and suspense.

Psychology

• Research shows that eerie feelings can trigger a human's fight-or-flight response, heightening alertness.
• Ambiguous or unclear stimuli tend to create eerier sensations, as the brain struggles to determine threats.
• Eerie experiences are linked to nostalgia, triggering past fears or memories that create discomfort.

Folklore

• Many cultures have eerie myths involving spirits or creatures that roam at night, causing fear.
• In folklore, eerier phenomena like ghost sightings often reflect societal fears or unresolved issues.
• Stories of haunted locations often emphasize eerier atmospheres to convey a sense of danger and mystery.

Art

• Eerie art often employs dark colors and unsettling imagery to convey themes of fear and uncertainty.
• Artists like Edward Munch have created eerier works that evoke strong emotional responses from viewers.
• Surrealism often features eerier elements to blur the lines between reality and dreams, invoking unease.