GHOST Meaning and
Definition
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Ghost (noun)
1. A ghost is believed to be the spirit or soul of a deceased person that appears in various forms, typically as a spectral or shadowy figure. Ghosts are often associated with haunting or supernatural occurrences, and their existence is linked to the concept of an afterlife or the realm of the dead. While the depiction of ghosts varies across cultures and folklore, they are generally regarded as immaterial entities that may be visible or invisible to the living. These apparitions are commonly associated with unresolved emotions or unfinished business, seeking to communicate or complete a task before finding peace.
2. In a metaphorical sense, a ghost can be referred to as a remnant or trace of something that has vanished or passed away. It may denote the lingering presence or memory of an event, person, or place. For instance, the phrase "the ghost of a smile" refers to a faint or barely visible indication of a smile. This usage emphasizes the evanescent or intangible nature of what is being described, often carrying a sense of nostalgia or longing.
3. In the field of technology and computers, the term "ghost" is used as a verb to describe the process of creating a copy or replica of a hard disk or computer system for backup or cloning purposes. By "ghosting" a system, it involves duplicating the entire content and structure of the original, enabling its easy restoration or deployment onto other machines.
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An apparition or spectre; the soul or spirit of a deceased person.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for GHOST *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for GHOST
Etymology of GHOST
The word "ghost" has its origins in Old English, where it was spelled "gāst". It can be traced back further to the Common Germanic word "gaistaz". This word ultimately comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *ghois- which means "to be excited, frightened", or "to be amazed". The same root gives rise to words like "ghastly" and "aghast", which still evoke ideas of fear or terror. Over time, the Old English word "gāst" evolved into the modern English term "ghost", referring to a spiritual entity or the soul of a deceased person.
Idioms with the word GHOST
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lay the ghost of sth (to rest)
"Lay the ghost of something (to rest)" is an idiom that means to finally resolve or put an end to a troubling or distressing issue or memory from the past. It suggests bringing closure, finding peace, or overcoming the emotional or psychological effects of a particular event or situation.
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lay the ghost of sth/sb (to rest)
The idiom "lay the ghost of something/somebody (to rest)" means to put to rest or resolve a troubling or unsettling issue or memory that has been haunting or troubling someone. It refers to finding closure, closure or release from a past event or situation that has been emotionally distressing or burdensome.
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lay the ghost of
The idiom "lay the ghost of" means to put to rest or resolve a problem, issue, or haunting thought that has been troubling someone. It implies resolving or letting go of a past event or memory in order to move on or find closure.
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ghost town
The idiom "ghost town" refers to a place or location that was previously inhabited and bustling with activity, but is now deserted, abandoned, and devoid of any human presence. It typically suggests a sense of emptiness and desolation.
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the ghost walks
The idiom "the ghost walks" is a phrase used to suggest that something that was previously hidden or unknown has been uncovered or discovered, often bringing a sense of revelation or surprise. It implies that a hidden truth or secret has been revealed, similar to how a ghost appears and becomes visible.
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yield the ghost
The idiom "yield the ghost" means when a person or thing gives up or succumbs to death or an inevitable outcome. It often indicates the final act of relinquishing life or accepting defeat or failure.
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the ghost at the feast
The idiom "the ghost at the feast" refers to someone or something that spoils or dampens the mood or enjoyment of a gathering or celebration. It represents an individual who brings a sense of unease, melancholy, or negativity to an otherwise festive or joyful occasion.
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ghost of a chance
The idiom "ghost of a chance" refers to a tiny or almost non-existent possibility of success or winning in a particular situation. It suggests that the chances of success are so slim that they are comparable to the existence of a ghost, which is generally believed to be very rare or intangible.
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give up the ghost
"Give up the ghost" is an idiom that means to die or to cease functioning. It is often used to describe the moment when something or someone stops working, fails, or ultimately comes to an end.
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white as a sheet/ghost
The idiom "white as a sheet/ghost" refers to someone's complexion being extremely pale or appearing completely drained of color. It is often used to describe a person's frightened or shocked state, as if their face has turned as white as a bedsheet or a ghost.
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look as though (one) has seen a ghost
The idiom "look as though (one) has seen a ghost" means to appear extremely frightened, shocked, or pale, as if one has just had a terrifying or astonishing experience. It suggests a sudden, intense reaction to something unexpected or startling, resembling the expression of someone who has encountered a spectral figure.
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lay a ghost
The idiom "lay a ghost" means to put to rest or resolve a troubling or haunting issue, typically from the past. It refers to overcoming and letting go of past experiences or burdens that continue to have a negative impact on one's life or emotional well-being.
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be a ghost of (someone or something's) former self
The idiom "be a ghost of (someone or something's) former self" means to be a diminished or faded version of what someone or something used to be. It refers to a drastic decline in quality, appearance, or overall condition compared to a previous state of excellence or vitality. It suggests that the current state is a mere reflection or remnant of the past, lacking the same power, effectiveness, or significance.
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not have a/the ghost of a chance
The idiom "not have a/the ghost of a chance" means to have no possibility or likelihood of succeeding or being successful in a particular situation or endeavor. It implies that the chances are so minimal or non-existent that they are akin to the presence of a ghost, which is generally believed to be invisible and intangible.
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a ghost at the feast
The idiom "a ghost at the feast" is used to describe someone or something that is out of place or unwanted in a joyful or celebratory situation. It suggests that the presence of this person or thing dampens the positive atmosphere or brings a sense of sadness or discomfort.
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the ghost in the machine
The idiom "the ghost in the machine" refers to the idea that there is an intangible or spiritual force that animates or influences a mechanical or computational system, usually used to describe the human mind or consciousness within the context of technology or machines. It suggests that there is something beyond the physical or programmed aspects of a system that is responsible for its functioning or behavior.
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lay the ghost of (something) to rest
The idiom "lay the ghost of (something) to rest" means to eliminate or put an end to a lingering issue, fear, or concern that has been causing emotional distress or unease. It refers to resolving or addressing a situation that has been haunting or troubling someone.
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ghost someone
To "ghost someone" means to abruptly stop all communication and contact with someone, typically without any explanation or warning. It is often used in the context of dating or personal relationships when one person decides to cut off all communication with the other person and essentially disappear from their life.
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a ghost (or spectre) at the feast
The idiom "a ghost (or spectre) at the feast" refers to a person or thing that spoils or dampens the mood or enjoyment of a joyful or celebratory occasion. It symbolizes an unwelcome or negative presence that casts a shadow over an otherwise happy or festive gathering.
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a ghost of a chance
The idiom "a ghost of a chance" means having a very small or unlikely chance of success in a particular situation.
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not have the ghost of a chance
The idiom "not have the ghost of a chance" means to have no possibility or likelihood of succeeding or achieving something. It implies that the chances of success are extremely slim or non-existent.
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look like/as though you've seen a ghost
The idiom "look like/as though you've seen a ghost" means to appear extremely shocked, scared, or stunned, often characterized by a pale face, wide eyes, or a frozen expression, as if one has encountered something terrifying or unbelievable.
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not a ghost of a chance
The idiom "not a ghost of a chance" is used to express that there is no possibility or very little chance of something occurring or succeeding. It often implies that the circumstances or odds are completely against the desired outcome.
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not have a ghost of a chance
The idiom "not have a ghost of a chance" means to have no possibility or likelihood of success in a particular situation. It implies that the person or thing in question has absolutely no chance, often due to overwhelming odds or unfavorable circumstances.
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ghost writer
A "ghost writer" refers to a professional writer who is hired to write on behalf of someone else, without receiving any explicit credit or acknowledgement for their work. They often remain anonymous while their clients take credit for the writing.
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ghost in the machine
"Ghost in the machine" is an idiom referring to the notion that there is an intangible, unexplainable, or spiritual element controlling or influencing an otherwise mechanical or automated system. It implies the idea that a complex machine or system, such as a computer, may possess a supernatural or unobservable force that affects its operations or behavior. This idiom originated from the philosopher Gilbert Ryle's criticism of philosopher René Descartes' mind-body dualism theory.
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white as a ghost
The idiom "white as a ghost" means extremely pale or lacking color, typically used to describe someone's complexion when they appear frightened, shocked, or ill. It suggests a complexion similar to that of a ghost, which is commonly depicted as pale or colorless in literature and folklore.
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lay the ghost of something
The idiom "lay the ghost of something" means to finally resolve or put to rest a past problem, fear, or traumatic event. It refers to overcoming or finding closure on something that has been haunting or troubling someone.
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the ghost/spectre at the feast
The idiom "the ghost/spectre at the feast" is used to describe an unwelcome or unsettling presence or topic that detracts from the enjoyment or celebration of an event or gathering. It refers to something or someone that casts a negative or ominous shadow over an otherwise joyful or harmonious occasion. The idiom implies that the party or gathering is marred by the presence or reminder of a disturbing or problematic element.
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look as if you have seen a ghost
The idiom "look as if you have seen a ghost" describes someone's facial expression or reaction when they appear extremely shocked, terrified, or startled, as if they have just encountered something extremely fearful or supernatural. It implies a state of extreme surprise or fright.
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look as if (one) has seen a ghost
The idiom "look as if (one) has seen a ghost" means to have a terrified or shocked expression on one's face, as if one has encountered something extremely frightening or surprising. It implies a sudden, intense fear or astonishment that causes one's face to become pale and their body to freeze momentarily.
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pale as a ghost
The idiom "pale as a ghost" is used to describe someone who appears extremely pale or visibly frightened or shocked. It implies that a person's complexion has lost its usual color, resembling the pale and eerie appearance of a ghost. This expression is often used to depict extreme fear, surprise, or illness.
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ghost turd
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be a shadow/ghost of your former self
To be a shadow/ghost of your former self means to be greatly changed or diminished from how you used to be, often as a result of illness, age, sadness, or some other negative circumstance.
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be a shadow/ghost of your/its former self
To be a shadow/ghost of your/its former self means to be much less impressive, successful, or important than you were in the past. It suggests that something or someone has declined, deteriorated, or diminished in quality or stature.
Similar spelling words for GHOST
- guest,
- hoist,
- just,
- joust,
- cast,
- gust,
- aghast,
- goose,
- ghostly,
- post-,
- jest,
- host,
- goat,
- most,
- govt.,
- cost,
- Got,
- lost,
- post,
- coast.
Conjugate verb Ghost
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have ghosted
you
would have ghosted
he/she/it
would have ghosted
we
would have ghosted
they
would have ghosted
I
would have ghost
you
would have ghost
he/she/it
would have ghost
we
would have ghost
they
would have ghost
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been ghosting
you
would have been ghosting
he/she/it
would have been ghosting
we
would have been ghosting
they
would have been ghosting
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would ghost
you
would ghost
he/she/it
would ghost
we
would ghost
they
would ghost
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be ghosting
you
would be ghosting
he/she/it
would be ghosting
we
would be ghosting
they
would be ghosting
FUTURE
I
will ghost
you
will ghost
he/she/it
will ghost
we
will ghost
they
will ghost
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be ghosting
you
will be ghosting
he/she/it
will be ghosting
we
will be ghosting
they
will be ghosting
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have ghosted
you
will have ghosted
he/she/it
will have ghosted
we
will have ghosted
they
will have ghosted
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been ghosting
you
will have been ghosting
he/she/it
will have been ghosting
we
will have been ghosting
they
will have been ghosting
IMPERATIVE
you
ghost
we
let´s ghost
to ghost
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was ghosting
you
were ghosting
he/she/it
was ghosting
we
were ghosting
they
were ghosting
PAST PARTICIPLE
ghosted
PAST PERFECT
I
had ghosted
you
had ghosted
he/she/it
had ghosted
we
had ghosted
they
had ghosted
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been ghosting
you
had been ghosting
he/she/it
had been ghosting
we
had been ghosting
they
had been ghosting
PRESENT
I
ghost
you
ghost
he/she/it
ghosts
we
ghost
they
ghost
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am ghosting
you
are ghosting
he/she/it
is ghosting
we
are ghosting
they
are ghosting
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
ghosting
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have ghosted
you
have ghosted
he/she/it
has ghosted
we
have ghosted
they
have ghosted
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been ghosting
you
have been ghosting
he/she/it
has been ghosting
we
have been ghosting
they
have been ghosting
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
ghost
SIMPLE PAST
I
ghosted
you
ghosted
he/she/it
ghosted
we
ghosted
they
ghosted
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