Haunting: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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