ghost
ghost Lexical Profile
ghost Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An apparition or disembodied spirit of a dead person which is believed to appear or become manifest to the living, typically as a nebulous or translucent image.
"Local folklore claims that the ghost of a former lighthouse keeper still wanders the rocky cliffs at night."
A faint trace, slight suggestion, or barely perceptible vestige of something.
"A brief ghost of a smile crossed her face when she heard the unexpected news."
A ghostwriter hired to author literary, journalistic, or speeches work that is officially credited to another person.
"Several prominent politicians rely on a skilled ghost to draft their memoirs."
A faint secondary image produced by a defective optical system or an improperly received television signal.
"The technician adjusted the rooftop antenna to eliminate the annoying ghost on the television screen."
• verb
To abruptly end a personal relationship or communication with someone by withdrawing from all contact without explanation (informal).
"After three promising interviews, the recruiting agency completely ghosted the applicant."
To move silently, smoothly, and effortlessly like an apparition.
"The sailboat ghosted across the calm harbor in the fading twilight."
To act as a ghostwriter for a literary or journalistic work credited to someone else.
"A veteran sports journalist was hired to ghost the retired athlete's autobiography."
• Rhymes for ghost
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'gast', meaning breath, spirit, or soul, derived from a West Germanic root related to German 'Geist'. The silent 'h' was introduced in the 15th century by William Caxton under the influence of Flemish spelling habits.