Haunted Meaning and Definition
Haunted
Pronunciation
/ˈhɔːntɪd/
Part of Speech
Noun, adjective
Definition
A place or location believed to be inhabited by spirits, ghosts, or supernatural beings; a person or entity that is possessed or obsessed by an evil spirit; a feeling of intense fear or anxiety.
Examples
- The old mansion was rumored to be haunted by the ghost of its former owner.
- The haunted house on the hill was abandoned and heavily guarded.
- The thrill of exploring a haunted attraction was exhilarating.
Synonyms
- Haunted place
- Spirited
- Ghosts
Antonyms
- Ruined
- Abandoned
- Hauntingly beautiful
Etymology
The word “Haunted” comes from the Old English “haunted,” which means “possessed” or “inhabited by spirits.” This word is derived from the Proto-Germanic “huniz,” meaning “to seize” or “to possess.”
Additional Information
Haunted places can take many forms, including old buildings, cemeteries, and forests, and are often associated with supernatural occurrences or eerie atmospheres. Haunted individuals, on the other hand, may be said to be “possessed” or “under the influence” of an evil spirit. Haunted is also used as an adjective to describe something that is eerie or unsettling.
In some cultures, Haunted places are believed to be inhabited by the spirits of ancestors or former residents, and are often visited or revered for their supposed spiritual significance.
Usage Notes
When using Haunted as an adjective, it is often used to describe a place or situation that is eerie or unsettling. As a noun, Haunted typically refers to a place or location that is believed to be inhabited by supernatural beings.
Cultural References
The concept of Haunted has been explored in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. Some notable examples include:
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word Haunted include:
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Related Words or Phrases
Related words or phrases that are closely related in meaning or usage include:
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Collocations
Common collocations with the word Haunted include:
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Frequency of Use
The frequency of use of the word Haunted is moderate, with it appearing in approximately 1,200,000 entries in the Corpus of Contemporary American English.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word Haunted include:
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