HAUNT Meaning and
Definition
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Haunt, as a verb, typically refers to repeatedly and persistently visit, inhabit, or occupy a place, or to be frequently present in one's thoughts or memories. It often implies a sense of lingering or recurring presence, with connotations of an unsettling or ghostly nature.
In the context of a physical place, "haunt" suggests that it is frequented or inhabited by someone or something, often with a supernatural or eerie implication. For example, a haunted house might be a dwelling believed to be occupied by the spirit of a deceased person, causing fear or discomfort for those who encounter it.
When used in relation to one's thoughts or memories, "haunt" implies a persistent preoccupation or obsession with a particular idea or event. It suggests that these thoughts or memories are difficult to shake off and continue to influence one's emotions or actions. For instance, a traumatic experience may haunt someone's nightmares or continually occupy their thoughts, affecting their overall well-being.
Overall, "haunt" has a dualistic meaning that encompasses both a physical and psychological presence. It invokes a sense of persistent occupancy, whether in a physical location or in one's mind, often evoking a feeling of unease, mystery, or the supernatural.
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• A place of frequent resort.
• To resort much or often to; to trouble with frequent visits; to visit, as a spirit or ghost; to be much about.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HAUNT
Etymology of HAUNT
The word haunt comes from the Middle English term haunten, which traces back to the Old French word hanter, meaning to frequent or to visit regularly. It is believed that hanter itself derived from the Old Norse word hefna, meaning to pursue, to avenge, or to drive. Over time, haunt developed its modern meanings of to visit often or to inhabit as a ghost or spirit.
Idioms with the word HAUNT
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come back to haunt one
The idiom "come back to haunt one" means to cause trouble, regret, or distress for someone in the future as a consequence of their past actions or decisions. It suggests that their past mistakes or misdeeds will have negative repercussions later in life.
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return to haunt
The idiom "return to haunt" refers to a situation or action from the past that resurfaces or has lasting negative consequences for someone. It implies that a previous action, decision, or mistake comes back to trouble or disturb someone, often causing regret or difficulties in the present.
Similar spelling words for HAUNT
- gaunt,
- hint,
- handy,
- hunt,
- hunter,
- hand-,
- hurt,
- Ant-,
- jaunt,
- hamate,
- haven't,
- hand,
- hadn't,
- hat,
- haunts,
- haunted,
- aunt,
- hunts,
- hut,
- chant,
- hasn't,
- taunt,
- -ant,
- hound,
- ant.
Conjugate verb Haunt
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have haunted
you
would have haunted
he/she/it
would have haunted
we
would have haunted
they
would have haunted
I
would have haunt
you
would have haunt
he/she/it
would have haunt
we
would have haunt
they
would have haunt
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been haunting
you
would have been haunting
he/she/it
would have been haunting
we
would have been haunting
they
would have been haunting
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would haunt
you
would haunt
he/she/it
would haunt
we
would haunt
they
would haunt
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be haunting
you
would be haunting
he/she/it
would be haunting
we
would be haunting
they
would be haunting
FUTURE
I
will haunt
you
will haunt
he/she/it
will haunt
we
will haunt
they
will haunt
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be haunting
you
will be haunting
he/she/it
will be haunting
we
will be haunting
they
will be haunting
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have haunted
you
will have haunted
he/she/it
will have haunted
we
will have haunted
they
will have haunted
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been haunting
you
will have been haunting
he/she/it
will have been haunting
we
will have been haunting
they
will have been haunting
IMPERATIVE
you
haunt
we
let´s haunt
to haunt
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was haunting
you
were haunting
he/she/it
was haunting
we
were haunting
they
were haunting
PAST PARTICIPLE
haunted
PAST PERFECT
I
had haunted
you
had haunted
he/she/it
had haunted
we
had haunted
they
had haunted
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been haunting
you
had been haunting
he/she/it
had been haunting
we
had been haunting
they
had been haunting
PRESENT
I
haunt
you
haunt
he/she/it
haunts
we
haunt
they
haunt
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am haunting
you
are haunting
he/she/it
is haunting
we
are haunting
they
are haunting
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
haunting
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have haunted
you
have haunted
he/she/it
has haunted
we
have haunted
they
have haunted
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been haunting
you
have been haunting
he/she/it
has been haunting
we
have been haunting
they
have been haunting
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
haunt
SIMPLE PAST
I
haunted
you
haunted
he/she/it
haunted
we
haunted
they
haunted
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