Nearby Words
noun
a ghost or spirit supposed to manifest its presence by noises, knockings, etc.
Origin:
1840–50; < German Poltergeist, equivalent to polter(n) to make noise, knock, rattle + Geist ghost
1840–50; < German Poltergeist, equivalent to polter(n) to make noise, knock, rattle + Geist ghost
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Poltergeist
is always a great word to know.
So is zedonk. Does it mean:
| a chattering or flighty, light-headed person. |
| the offspring of a zebra and a donkey. |
Example Sentences
- Melinda's investigation of a poltergeist in the hospital leads to a showdown with supernatural forces terrorizing her and her son.
- And geomagnetic flux caused by shifting tectonic plates reportedly produces surges in poltergeist sightings.
- But she's dark and driven: there's something of the poltergeist about her.
Collins
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
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, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Encyclopedia Britannica
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.
Learn more about poltergeist with a free trial on Britannica.com.
Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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