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The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner
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Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

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spook

IPA:

How to pronounce spook (audio)

Dictionary definition of spook

A person or entity, often characterized as a ghost or specter, that is believed to be supernatural or haunting in nature.
"The old abandoned house was rumored to be haunted by a spook."

Detailed meaning of spook

It carries connotations of being eerie, mysterious, or unsettling. A spook is typically associated with the realm of the paranormal, evoking a sense of fear or unease. The term can also be used colloquially to describe a spy or secret agent, particularly in the context of intelligence agencies or espionage activities. In this sense, a spook is an individual who operates covertly, gathering information or engaging in clandestine operations. The word "spook" can also serve as a slang term for a scare or momentary fright. Overall, whether referring to a supernatural entity, a covert operative, or a temporary scare, the noun "spook" suggests an element of mystery, secrecy, or supernatural presence that captivates the imagination.

Example sentences containing spook

1. The sudden noise in the dark alley gave her a good spook.
2. The spy was known as a skilled spook, always operating in the shadows.
3. The children giggled as they tried to spook each other with ghost stories.
4. The detective followed the trail of clues, determined to uncover the identity of the spook behind the crime.
5. The horror movie provided plenty of spooks and jump scares.
6. The eerie silence in the graveyard sent a shiver down her spine, making her feel like she was being watched by a spook.

History and etymology of spook

The noun 'spook' has a somewhat mysterious and elusive etymology. It first appeared in the early 19th century in American English, and its precise origins are unclear. It is often linked to the idea of ghosts or specters, referring to a person or entity that is believed to be supernatural or haunting in nature. Some linguists speculate that 'spook' may have connections to Dutch or Low German words like 'spook' or 'spuk,' which mean 'ghost' or 'apparition.' Others suggest it could be influenced by the English word 'spook,' meaning 'to scare' or 'to startle.' Regardless of its exact origin, 'spook' has become a colloquial term for a mysterious or eerie presence, often associated with the realm of the supernatural or the unexplained.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun spook:

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Further usage examples of spook

1. The spy disguised as a regular office worker blended in perfectly, never revealing their true spook identity.
2. The campfire tales about the legendary spook of the forest sent chills down their spines.
3. The security team was on high alert, keeping an eye out for any suspicious spooks in the area.
4. The sudden gust of wind and creaking floorboards gave the old house an additional spook factor.
5. The spook's ability to gather sensitive information without being detected made them a valuable asset in the intelligence agency.
6. The old mansion was rumored to be haunted by a spook.
7. A mysterious spook appeared in the moonlit cemetery.
8. She claimed to have seen a spook in the attic.
9. The legend told of a malevolent spook in the forest.
10. The ghost hunter searched for the elusive spook.
11. A chill ran down his spine as he encountered a spook.
12. The ancient castle was said to harbor a vengeful spook.
13. They swapped stories about the local spook by the fire.
14. The children dared each other to enter the spook's lair.
15. An eerie silence filled the room when the spook appeared.
16. The town's history was intertwined with the legend of the spook.
17. A feeling of dread washed over her in the presence of the spook.
18. The paranormal investigator sought to capture evidence of the spook.
19. The abandoned asylum was said to be infested with spooks.
20. The unsettling noise in the dark was attributed to the spook.
21. She shivered as she walked past the spook's alleged haunt.
22. The spook's spectral presence left a mark on the old house.
23. A spine-tingling encounter with a spook haunted his dreams.
24. The town held an annual festival celebrating the local spook.
25. He became obsessed with proving the existence of the spook.

ACT 9 (American College Testing), Divine and Mystical, Mysticism and Spirituality

apparition,haunt,phantasm,phantom,poltergeist,shade,specter,spirit,wraith

bogeyman,ghost,sprite

ghost, reality, tangible, physical

eb68db_6941e592a3964e94be55f697cc531cb4.mp3

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