Eery: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'eery' is derived from Middle English, related to the term 'eer', which referred to something that provokes fear or dread.
• In old Norse, the word 'yr' meant 'to stand trembling', highlighting the connection between fear and the feeling Invoked by the word.
• It’s also linked to the word 'aerie', which means a high nest often associated with birds of prey, adding a sense of unnatural or eerie beauty.

Literature

• Eery settings often serve to enhance suspense in stories, creating tension before a dramatic event.
• Classic gothic literature frequently employs eery descriptions to invoke feelings of discomfort, such as in the works of Edgar Allan Poe.
• Modern horror films frequently use eery environments—like abandoned buildings or misty graveyards—to set the mood.

Psychology

• Eery feelings can trigger the human brain's fight or flight response, even in safe environments, due to past experiences or cultural associations.
• The phenomenon of 'uncanny valley' relates to eery feelings; we might feel unsettled by objects or robots that look almost human but not quite.
• Environmental factors like low light and strange sounds can heighten eery sensations, leading to increased paranoia or anxiety.

Cultural References

• Many cultures have ghost stories or folklore that evoke eery feelings, shared in family gatherings around campfires or during local festivals.
• The concept of 'the eerie' is often represented in art, with many contemporary artists exploring themes of fear and the supernatural.
• In North American culture, Halloween famously embraces eery themes, with decorations of ghosts, skulls, and other spooky elements.

Pop Culture

• Eery atmospheres are hallmark features in popular horror films like 'The Shining' and 'It Follows', enhancing the chilling narrative.
• Video games such as 'Silent Hill' use eery environments and soundscapes to evoke a sense of dread and anticipation.
• The 'eerie silence' trope is commonly found in television shows, particularly thrillers and supernatural series, to build suspense.