Haunting: meaning, definitions and examples

👻

Add to dictionary

haunting

[ˈhɔːntɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

ghostly

Continually recurring to the mind; unforgettable; persistently or disturbingly evoking an emotion or sensation.

Synonyms

creepy, eerie, spooky, unsettling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
haunting	Describes something that is beautiful but also has a melancholic aura. Often used for memories, music, or scenery that lingers in the mind in a poignant way. The haunting melody stayed with her for days The old castle had a haunting beauty to it
eerie	Used to describe something that is strangely frightening or unsettling, often associated with quiet, deserted places or unusual sounds. The forest was eerily silent that night The fog gave the village an eerie appearance
spooky	Typically used for something that is mildly frightening in a fun, often Halloween-related way. It is less intense than 'creepy' or 'eerie'. They decorated their house with spooky Halloween props The story she told us at the campfire was spooky but fun
unsettling	Describes something that causes a feeling of anxiety or unease. It can be used for events, images, or information that makes people feel disturbed or worried. The documentary about the incident was deeply unsettling She found his behavior quite unsettling
creepy	Refers to something that causes an unpleasant feeling of fear or unease. Often used for people or situations that make you feel uncomfortable. There was something creepy about the way he stared at her The abandoned house at the end of the street was really creepy

Examples of usage

The haunting memory of her lost love lingered in her mind.
The haunting melody of the song brought tears to her eyes.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

ghostly presence

A ghost or ghostly apparition that is believed to visit or appear to people.

Synonyms

apparition, phantom, specter, spirit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
haunting	Best used to describe something that repeatedly comes to mind because it is emotionally striking or unforgettable. Can be positive or negative. The haunting melody stayed with her for days The book's ending was haunting, leaving readers to ponder its deeper meaning
apparition	Typically refers to a ghostly or supernatural figure that appears suddenly and unexpectedly. Often used in the context of horror stories or paranormal situations. She claimed to have seen an apparition of a woman in a white dress at the old mansion The film features an eerie apparition that haunts the protagonists
specter	Used similarly to 'apparition', it often brings to mind a ghostly presence but can also be used metaphorically to describe a looming threat or fear. The specter of war loomed over the country They were terrified by the specter that appeared at the stroke of midnight
phantom	Often used to describe something that is elusive, not physically present, or hard to grasp. It can also refer to a ghost. Reports of a phantom ship sailing through the mist have been a local legend for years He felt like he was being chased by phantom pains that had no physical source
spirit	A broader term that refers to the non-physical part of a person often connected to their emotions and character, also used to describe ghosts or supernatural beings. She has a lively spirit that uplifts everyone around her The ancient castle is said to be home to several restless spirits

Examples of usage

The old house was said to be haunted by the haunting of a young girl.
People claimed to have seen a haunting in the cemetery at midnight.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Old English 'huhta', meaning to 'frequent' or 'visit', related to how ghosts are thought to come back.
In Middle English, the term evolved to describe how a spirit lingers around a place, giving a sense of eerie presence.

Literature

Many Gothic novels feature haunting as a theme, where characters are confronted by the past, often representing unresolved issues or memories.
Classic works like Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' explore haunting through the ghost of King Hamlet, showcasing how past actions can continue to affect the living.

Psychology

The concept of haunting can be linked to 'emotional ghosts', where unresolved feelings from the past affect current behavior and mental health.
Therapists might refer to these feelings as 'haunting memories' that need to be acknowledged and processed for healing.

Pop Culture

Popular films like 'The Sixth Sense' or 'The Others' depict haunting as both a literal and metaphorical theme, exploring grief and the unseen.
Music often captures haunting feelings, like songs with sad lyrics that linger long after you've heard them, creating an emotional experience.

Art

Many artists create haunting imagery to evoke feelings of nostalgia or emptiness, using dark colors and shadows to convey depth.
Surrealist painters often illustrate haunting visions that blur the line between reality and dreams, inviting viewers into unsettling yet captivating worlds.

Translations

Translations of the word "haunting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 assombrado

🇮🇳 भूतिया

🇩🇪 spukend

🇮🇩 menghantui

🇺🇦 примарний

🇵🇱 nawiedzony

🇯🇵 幽霊のような (ゆうれいのような)

🇫🇷 hanté

🇪🇸 embrujado

🇹🇷 lanetli

🇰🇷 유령 같은 (yuryeong gateun)

🇸🇦 مسكون

🇨🇿 strašidelný

🇸🇰 strašidelný

🇨🇳 闹鬼的 (nàoguǐ de)

🇸🇮 strašljiv

🇮🇸 draugalegur

🇰🇿 елес

🇬🇪 მოჩვენებითი

🇦🇿 xəyalət

🇲🇽 embrujado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,360, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
15357 mammal
15358 taut
15359 conventionally
15360 haunting
15361 jewellery
15362 kidnapping
15363 divisible
...