poltergeist

[ pohl-ter-gahyst ]
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noun
  1. a ghost or spirit supposed to manifest its presence by noises, knockings, etc.

Origin of poltergeist

1
1840–50; <German Poltergeist, equivalent to polter(n) to make noise, knock, rattle + Geistghost

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British Dictionary definitions for poltergeist

poltergeist

/ (ˈpɒltəˌɡaɪst) /


noun
  1. a spirit believed to manifest its presence by rappings and other noises and also by acts of mischief, such as throwing furniture about

Origin of poltergeist

1
C19: from German, from poltern to be noisy + Geist ghost

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012