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haunt

verb

/hɔnt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of haunt

To persistently and recurrently occupy the thoughts, memories, or experiences of someone, often in a disconcerting or unsettling manner.
"The memory of the accident continues to haunt me even today."

Detailed meaning of haunt

It describes a state of being deeply ingrained or stuck in one's mind, where a person cannot easily let go or forget about something or someone. The haunting presence can stem from various sources, such as traumatic events, past relationships, or even supernatural encounters. It involves a feeling of being followed or pursued by something that elicits fear, unease, or discomfort. The haunting nature of a memory or experience can create a lasting impact, influencing emotions, behaviors, and perceptions. It may manifest as vivid nightmares, intrusive thoughts, or a lingering sense of unease. Haunting can also extend beyond personal experiences and refer to physical places or objects that evoke a sense of eeriness or spectral presence. Overall, to be haunted implies a persistent and unsettling presence that continues to affect an individual, leaving an indelible mark on their psyche.

Example sentences containing haunt

1. The guilt of his past actions would haunt him, a constant reminder of the mistakes he had made.
2. The tragic incident from her past still haunts her in her dreams.
3. Ghost stories claim that a spectral figure haunts this old mansion.
4. His harsh words continue to haunt her and affect her self-esteem.
5. The echoes of his laughter still haunt the empty halls of the house.
6. Her grandmother's lullabies still haunt her, bringing her comfort in lonely times.

History and etymology of haunt

The verb 'haunt' has an intriguing etymology that can be traced back to the Old French word 'hanter,' which meant 'to frequent' or 'to visit regularly.' This Old French term likely originated from the Old Norse word 'hefja,' which had a similar meaning of 'to engage in' or 'to undertake.' The sense of persistent and recurrent occupation that characterizes 'haunting' can be connected to the idea of something repeatedly visiting or engaging with a person's thoughts, memories, or experiences. Over time, 'haunt' has come to describe the disconcerting or unsettling manner in which these thoughts or memories recur, emphasizing the eerie and sometimes disturbing nature of the mental or emotional presence it represents.

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Further usage examples of haunt

1. The guilt of his actions began to haunt him, pushing him towards making amends.
2. His mistakes from his past continue to haunt his present.
3. The smell of roses would forever haunt him, reminding him of her.
4. Despite years of therapy, the traumatic experience continued to haunt her.
5. Legends say a forlorn spirit haunts this old, desolate cemetery.
6. The soldiers were haunted by the memories of the war they had witnessed.
7. The fear of the unknown began to haunt him as he ventured deeper into the woods.
8. The old ruin is said to be haunted by a queen from the medieval era.
9. The shadows of the tall trees haunted the lonely path through the forest.
10. His deep-set, haunted eyes revealed the torments that plagued his soul.
11. The scene of the crime haunted the detective, pushing him to solve the case.
12. The failure of his previous venture haunted him, making him apprehensive about starting anew.
13. The haunting melody of the violin piece he used to play haunts me at night.
14. The image of the injured animal on the roadside continued to haunt her, driving her to work for animal rights.