haunt

[hɔːnt]

haunt Definition

• 1. to cause repeated suffering or anxiety
• 2. to visit a place often because it is enjoyable or interesting to you
• 3. to be frequently in someone's thoughts or dreams, especially in a way that is unpleasant

Using haunt: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "haunt" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The memory of her ex-husband still haunts her.

• Example

  The old castle is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl.

• Example

  The smell of the sea always haunts me.

• Example

  The abandoned house has been haunting my dreams.

haunt Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for haunt

• obsess
• bedevil
• preoccupy
• torment
• plague

Antonyms for haunt

• comfort
• console

Phrases with haunt

• come back to haunt

  to have an unpleasant effect on someone at a later time

  Example

  His careless words came back to haunt him when he was fired from his job.

• haunt the streets

  to wander around the streets, usually with no particular purpose

  Example

  After losing his job, he started to haunt the streets, looking for something to do.

• haunt one's steps

  to follow someone closely and persistently

  Example

  The paparazzi would haunt her steps wherever she went.

Origins of haunt

from Old French 'hanter', meaning 'to frequent'

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Summary: haunt in Brief

The verb 'haunt' [hɔːnt] has three main meanings: causing repeated suffering or anxiety, visiting a place often because it is enjoyable or interesting, and being frequently in someone's thoughts or dreams in an unpleasant way. It can refer to memories, places, smells, or dreams. The phrase 'come back to haunt' means to have an unpleasant effect on someone at a later time.