ghosting

[ goh-sting ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the appearance of multiple copies or blurred representations of an object on a screen or in an image.
Informal.
1. the practice of suddenly ending all contact with a person without explanation, often in a dating or romantic relationship:
  After several unanswered calls and texts to her, he concluded he’d been a victim of ghosting.
2. French leave,. the act of leaving a social event or engagement suddenly and without saying goodbye:
  Ghosting might be the best option if we want to get home before midnight.
3. the act or practice of abandoning a job without notice and refusing further contact:
  A labor shortage has contributed to ghosting in the workplace.
Digital Technology. the removal of comments, threads, or other content from a website or online forum without informing the poster, keeping them hidden from the public but still visible to the poster.
the act of adopting the identity of a dead person, especially someone relatively unknown, before the death has been recognized by the government, banks, etc.:
Sometimes ghosting can go on for months before the crime is detected.

First recorded in 1955–60; ghost + -ing ¹

Unlike most government officials, he wrote well, even when ghosting.

There was no second thought in her mind when she first declined the ghosting, and afterwards undertook the part.

I couldn't be crazy about a melodious breath of air ghosting around the back yard.

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