Haunted
/ˈhɔːn.tɪd/noun
Inhabited or visited by ghosts, or persistently troubled by disturbing memories or feelings.
Did you know?The ghostly sense of “haunt” emerged in the sixteenth century, turning an ordinary word for frequenting a place into language for spirits that repeatedly return.
Etymological Timeline
13th Century
Old French
hanter
“To frequent, visit, or spend time in a place; the ultimate origin is uncertain.”
Late 13th Century
Middle English
haunten
“To frequent or inhabit a place regularly.”
14th Century
Middle English
haunt
“A place regularly visited or a customary practice.”
16th Century
English
haunt
“To appear repeatedly, especially of a ghost or supernatural presence.”
17th Century
English
haunted
“Visited or occupied by ghosts; also troubled persistently by memories or fears.”
Modern English
English
haunted
“Ghost-inhabited or psychologically troubled by something that will not go away.”