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The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner
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poltergeist

IPA:

How to pronounce poltergeist (audio)

Dictionary definition of poltergeist

A supernatural entity or spirit characterized by its mischievous and disruptive behavior.
"The poltergeist's antics included knocking over furniture and slamming doors in the middle of the night."

Detailed meaning of poltergeist

The term originates from German, where "polter" means "to make noise" and "geist" means "spirit." A poltergeist is often associated with disturbances and paranormal activities, such as objects moving or being thrown, unexplained noises, and even physical assaults. Unlike other types of spirits or ghosts, a poltergeist is thought to be particularly active and capable of interacting with the physical world. It is commonly believed that poltergeists are attracted to specific individuals or locations, and their presence is often accompanied by a sense of unease or fear. While there are various theories about the nature and origin of poltergeists, they have been a subject of fascination and speculation in folklore, paranormal investigations, and popular culture, often depicted as entities that haunt and disrupt the lives of those who encounter them.

Example sentences containing poltergeist

1. The family claimed that a poltergeist was responsible for the objects mysteriously flying across the room.
2. The haunted house was rumored to be inhabited by a mischievous poltergeist.
3. The paranormal investigator set up cameras and equipment to capture evidence of the poltergeist's presence.
4. The terrified residents sought the help of a spiritual medium to rid their home of the poltergeist.
5. The poltergeist's presence was accompanied by chilling cold spots and eerie whispers.
6. The poltergeist's pranks escalated, leaving the family feeling helpless and frightened.

History and etymology of poltergeist

The noun 'poltergeist' has a Germanic origin, with its etymology tracing back to the combination of two German words: 'poltern,' meaning to make noise or to rumble, and 'geist,' which translates to spirit or ghost. Therefore, 'poltergeist' literally means a noisy or rattling spirit. This term has been used for centuries in German folklore to describe a type of supernatural entity or spirit known for its mischievous and disruptive behavior, such as moving objects, creating loud noises, or causing disturbances in homes. Over time, the concept of the poltergeist has become well-known in various cultures, and it is often associated with paranormal phenomena. The etymology of 'poltergeist' reflects the idea that these entities are characterized by their penchant for creating disturbances and noise, and it has remained a popular term in discussions of the supernatural.

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Further usage examples of poltergeist

1. The local legends warned of a vengeful poltergeist haunting the abandoned mansion.
2. Researchers conducted experiments to try and understand the nature of poltergeist activity.
3. Witnesses described witnessing objects levitate and move on their own under the influence of the poltergeist.
4. The news of the poltergeist activity in the old school spread like wildfire, attracting curious investigators.
5. Despite attempts to debunk the phenomena, the poltergeist's presence remained unexplained, leaving skeptics bewildered.
6. The poltergeist wreaked havoc in the old haunted mansion.
7. A mischievous poltergeist disturbed their peaceful night.
8. They believed the poltergeist was responsible for the chaos.
9. The poltergeist's pranks grew increasingly unsettling.
10. The poltergeist's presence sent shivers down their spines.
11. Witnesses claimed to have seen the elusive poltergeist.
12. The poltergeist's antics kept the town in fear.
13. Paranormal investigators sought to capture the poltergeist.
14. The legend of the poltergeist persisted for generations.
15. The poltergeist's laughter echoed through the dark corridors.
16. No one dared to enter the haunted house with the poltergeist.
17. The poltergeist's mysterious messages appeared on walls.
18. The poltergeist's tricks baffled even the experts.
19. A poltergeist was blamed for the broken dishes.
20. The poltergeist's presence disrupted their daily lives.
21. Ghost hunters attempted to communicate with the poltergeist.
22. The poltergeist's temper flared during thunderstorms.
23. The poltergeist left a trail of chaos in its wake.
24. The family believed they were haunted by a poltergeist.
25. The poltergeist's pranks intensified, causing fear to spread.

ACT 12 (American College Testing), High School 13, Mysticism and Spirituality

apparition,haunt,phantom,presence,shade,specter,spirit,spook,supernatural,wraith

entity,ghost

ghost, calm, peace, tranquility

eb68db_11b48d9e4a694b79b949a2991d540eba.mp3

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