Spook

/spuːk/

Meaning & Definition

noun
a ghost or spirit.
The old castle is said to be haunted by a spook that appears at midnight.
a spy or informant.
The detective knew that there was a spook in the organization feeding them information.
verb
to frighten or scare someone.
The sudden noise from the dark alley spooked her as she walked by.
to cause a person to become alarmed or nervous.
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

An undercover agent or spy.
He's a real spook working for the government.
To intimidate or scare someone.
Don't spook the competition with your bold moves.