Meaning & Definition of word "Spook"
to
Spook
/spuːk/
noun:
- 1. a ghost or spirit.
- Example: The old castle is said to be haunted by a spook that appears at midnight.
- 2. a spy or informant.
- Example: The detective knew that there was a spook in the organization feeding them information.
verb:
- 1. to frighten or scare someone.
- Example: The sudden noise from the dark alley spooked her as she walked by.
- 2. to cause a person to become alarmed or nervous.
- Example: He was spooked by the ghost story told around the campfire.
Etymology
Originated in the early 19th century, possibly from Dutch 'spook', meaning ghost.
Common Phrases and Expressions
spook someone out:
To make someone feel uneasy or uncomfortable.
spooked out:
Feeling frightened or unsettled.
Related Words
ghost:
An apparition of a dead person.
haunt:
A place frequented by a specified person or group.
phantom:
A ghost or a figment of the imagination.
specter:
A visible ghost.
Slang Meanings of spook
Meaning: An undercover agent or spy.
Example Sentence: He's a real spook working for the government.
Meaning: To intimidate or scare someone.
Example Sentence: Don't spook the competition with your bold moves.