phantom Definition
- 1a ghost or an apparition of a dead person
- 2something that is not real and exists only in your imagination
- 3a person who is never seen but who has a great influence on a situation
Using phantom: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "phantom" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The old castle was said to be haunted by a phantom.
Example
The idea of a perfect society is just a phantom.
Example
The phantom of poverty still haunts the country.
Example
The CEO was a phantom figure, rarely seen by employees.
phantom Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using phantom
Example
He spent years chasing a phantom, trying to find the perfect job that didn't exist.
someone who has changed so much that they are barely recognizable as the person they used to be
Example
After years of drug addiction, he was a phantom of his former self, unrecognizable to his family and friends.
a perceived threat or danger that may not actually exist or be as serious as it seems
Example
The media hyped up the new virus as a phantom menace, causing unnecessary panic and fear.
Phrases with phantom
the sensation that an amputated or missing limb is still attached to the body and is moving appropriately with other body parts
Example
After losing his arm in an accident, he continued to feel pain and movement in his phantom limb.
a condition in which a woman believes she is pregnant and shows signs of pregnancy, but is not actually carrying a baby
Example
She experienced a phantom pregnancy, with all the symptoms of being pregnant but no actual baby.
a feature in electronic devices that allows them to draw power even when turned off, usually to maintain settings or enable remote control
Example
The TV was still using phantom power even though it was turned off, so we unplugged it to save energy.
Origins of phantom
from Greek 'phantasma', meaning 'apparition'
Summary: phantom in Brief
The term 'phantom' [ˈfæntəm] refers to a ghost or apparition, something imagined, or a person who has great influence but is never seen. Examples include 'The old castle was said to be haunted by a phantom,' 'The idea of a perfect society is just a phantom,' and 'The CEO was a phantom figure.' Phrases like 'phantom limb' and idioms like 'chase a phantom' extend the concept of something that is not real or achievable.
