haunted

word · lemma: haunt

/ˈhɔntɪd/
HAWN-tid
/hˈɔːntɪd/
HAWN-tid

Definition

Haunted describes a place where people believe ghosts are present, or a person who is deeply troubled by painful memories, thoughts, or feelings that do not go away.

Usage & Nuances

Most often used for spooky places: 'a haunted house'. It is also common in a figurative sense: 'a haunted look' or 'haunted by the past'. For people, it usually suggests deep emotional pain, not literal ghosts.

Example Sentences

They say that old hotel is haunted.

basic

She had a haunted look in her eyes.

basic

He still feels haunted by that accident.

basic

I don't care what anyone says — that house feels haunted.

natural

Years later, she was still haunted by what happened that night.

natural

You can tell from his face that he's haunted by the past.

natural