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poltergeist

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pol⋅ter⋅geist

  [pohl-ter-gahyst]
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–noun
a ghost or spirit supposed to manifest its presence by noises, knockings, etc.
Origin:
1840–50; < G Poltergeist, equiv. to polter(n) to make noise, knock, rattle + Geist ghost
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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pol·ter·geist   (pōl'tər-gīst')   
n.  A ghost that manifests itself by noises, rappings, and the creation of disorder.

[German : poltern, to make noises (from Middle High German boldern) + Geist, ghost (from Middle High German, from Old High German).]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

poltergeist 
1838, from Ger. Poltergeist, lit. "noisy ghost," from poltern "make noise, rattle" (from PIE base *bhel- "to sound, ring, roar") + Geist "ghost" (see ghost). In the native idiom of Northern England, such phenomenon likely would be credited to a boggart.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Encyclopedia

poltergeist

(from German Polter, "noise" or "racket"; Geist, "spirit"), in occultism, a disembodied spirit or supernatural force credited with certain malicious or disturbing phenomena, such as inexplicable noises, sudden wild movements, or breakage of household items. Poltergeists are also blamed for violent actions-throwing stones or setting fire to clothing and furniture. Such events are said to be sporadic, unpredictable, and often repetitive.

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Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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