Ghoul: meaning, definitions and examples

A ghoul is typically used to describe a monster that consumes human flesh, often found in horror stories and folklore. The term can also be used in a negative way to describe someone who is morbidly interested in death or disaster.

• The ghoul crawled out of the graveyard at midnight.
• He's such a ghoul, always fascinated by gruesome car accidents.

A demon is often depicted as an evil spirit or creature from hell in religious texts, mythology, or horror fiction. This term can also metaphorically describe someone or something extremely wicked or cruel.

• The exorcist tried to expel the demon from the possessed girl.
• His addiction was a demon that he struggled to conquer.

Undead usually describes beings that are dead but have been reanimated, such as zombies or vampires. This term is common in horror genres and fantasy fiction.

• The villagers prepared to defend themselves against the horde of undead.
• He turned into one of the undead after being bitten by a vampire.

A specter refers to a ghostly figure or apparition, typically associated with haunting and supernatural phenomena. This word can also be used metaphorically to refer to something that haunts or troubles the mind.

• The old mansion was said to be haunted by a dark specter.
• The specter of past mistakes still haunts her.

Repeated: See previous definition for 'ghoul'.

• The ghoul emerged from the shadows, its eyes glowing in the moonlight.
• He was fascinated by crime scenes and accidents, earning him the unsettling nickname of 'ghoul' among his friends.

Employed in religious or supernatural contexts, referring to an evil spirit or entity. Common in horror stories and mythology. It can also be metaphorically used to describe personal struggles.

• The priest performed an exorcism to banish the demon from the haunted house.
• She battled her personal demons for years before finding peace.

Refers to entities or beings capable of changing their form or identity. Frequently found in folklore, mythology, and fantasy fiction.

• The shape-shifter changed from a wolf to a human right before their eyes.
• In the legend, the cunning shape-shifter tricked villagers by taking on the form of their loved ones.

Broad term used to describe any frightening or grotesque creature. It can be applied to both imaginary beings and people who behave cruelly.

• The monster under the bed turned out to be just a figment of the child's imagination.
• History remembers him as a monster for his heinous crimes.