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

come back to haunt, haunt the streets, haunt one's steps

Formal and Informal Expressions of haunt

In different contexts, you can replace 'haunt' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'frequent, visit' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'hang out, chill' is a commonplace synonym.

haunt: Explore its Definition & Usage

haunt Definition

1to cause repeated suffering or anxiety
2to visit a place often because it is enjoyable or interesting to you
3to 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

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.