Haunt: meaning, definitions and examples
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haunt
[ hɔːnt ]
in a spooky context
To haunt is to appear as a ghost or other supernatural being, typically seen in a spooky or eerie setting. It can also mean to visit or frequent a place often, especially in a persistent or disturbing way.
Synonyms
ghost, spook, visit frequently
Examples of usage
- The ghost of the old man haunts the abandoned mansion.
- Her memories haunted her every night.
- The tragic story of the haunted house has been passed down for generations.
in a psychological context
As a noun, haunt refers to something that continually preoccupies or intrudes upon a person's thoughts or feelings, often in a negative or troubling way. It can also be used to describe a place frequented by a particular person or group.
Synonyms
hangout, obsession, preoccupation, trouble
Examples of usage
- The trauma from his past continues to be a haunt in his present life.
- The old cafe was a haunt for artists and writers in the 1920s.
Translations
Translations of the word "haunt" in other languages:
🇵🇹 assombrar
🇮🇳 भूतिया करना
🇩🇪 spuken
🇮🇩 menghantui
🇺🇦 переслідувати
🇵🇱 nawiedzać
🇯🇵 取り憑く (toritsuku)
🇫🇷 hanter
🇪🇸 atormentar
🇹🇷 musallat olmak
🇰🇷 괴롭히다 (goeropida)
🇸🇦 يطارد (yatārad)
🇨🇿 strašit
🇸🇰 strašiť
🇨🇳 鬼魂缠身 (guǐhún chánshēn)
🇸🇮 prestrašiti
🇮🇸 ásækja
🇰🇿 елес болу
🇬🇪 მოჩვენება
🇦🇿 təqib etmək
🇲🇽 atormentar
Word origin
The word 'haunt' originated from the Old French word 'hanter', meaning 'to frequent or visit regularly'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the supernatural connotations of ghostly visitations. The use of 'haunt' in a psychological context emerged in the early 19th century, reflecting its ability to linger in one's thoughts like a ghostly presence.