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Wraith Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ป
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wraith

[reษชฮธ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

ghostly figure

A wraith is a ghost or spirit, often seen as a haunting presence. It is typically characterized by its insubstantial and eerie appearance, representing the soul of a deceased person. In literature and folklore, wraiths are often associated with foreboding and may symbolize unfinished business or a tragic end.

Synonyms

apparition, ghost, phantom, shade, spirit.

Examples of usage

  • The old house was rumored to be haunted by a wraith.
  • In the story, the protagonist encounters a wraith that warns him of impending doom.
  • The mist swirled around her, revealing the faint outline of a wraith.
  • He felt a chill as the wraith passed through the room.
  • Legends say that a wraith appears to those who have wronged the dead.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Wraiths appear in various forms across literature, often as harbingers of doom or tragic figures.
  • In Shakespeareโ€™s 'Hamlet', the ghost of King Hamlet is akin to the concept of a wraith, warning of unfinished business.
  • The 'Wraith' is a notable character in several fantasy novels, symbolizing loss, grief, and vengeance.

Pop Culture

  • In modern films, wraiths often have a menacing presence, depicted as ghastly figures haunting protagonists.
  • The 'Wraith' appeared in the popular video game series 'Warcraft', portraying a spirit-like creature that feeds on the living.
  • Titular characters in TV series like 'Supernatural' reflect the historical notion of a wraith as a vengeful spirit.

Psychology

  • The concept of a 'wraith' can symbolize unresolved emotions or traumatic experiences that haunt individuals.
  • Psychologically, the manifestation of a wraith can reflect one's fears about death and the afterlife.
  • Some people believe that encountering wraith-like figures in dreams indicates deep-seated anxiety or unresolved grief.

Folklore

  • In Celtic folklore, wraiths are often tied to the concept of a 'fetch', a spirit seen as a harbinger of death.
  • During the Victorian era, the idea of the wraith evolved, incorporating themes of ghostly appearances linked to romanticism.
  • Celtic legends often depicted wraiths as protective spirits, watching over the living from beyond the grave.

Origin of 'wraith'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'wraith' originates from Old English and Scots, meaning 'a ghost or apparition'.
  • In Scots, the term was often used to describe the spirit of a person who had recently died.
  • The first known use of 'wraith' in English dates back to the early 14th century, marking a long history in literature.

The term 'wraith' originates from the Old English word 'wraรพ', meaning 'wrath' or 'anger', and is believed to have evolved in Scottish dialects. In Scottish folklore, a wraith is considered a spirit that appears as a harbinger of death, often manifesting as a shadowy figure. The concept of wraiths has been popularized in various literary works and modern media, where they are depicted as encounters between the living and the lost souls of the deceased. Over time, the word has taken on additional meanings, referring to any ghostly figure or spiritual presence seen in eerie contexts. The notion of a wraith emphasizes the themes of loss and the unresolved issues that linger after death.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,397 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.