poltergeist

[pohl-ter-gahyst]

noun

1. a ghost or spirit supposed to manifest its presence by noises, knockings, etc.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of poltergeist¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of poltergeist¹

C19: from German, from poltern to be noisy + Geist _ghost

Example Sentences

On a more intimate scale, Gemma and Cady’s new Bay Area rental is a smart house where everything is a potential poltergeist, from the ice dispenser to the vacuum.

From Los Angeles Times

In some scenes, the spirit is a poltergeist nuisance, spilling glasses and knocking down shelves; in others, it’s confoundingly trapped behind some sort of plasma screen.

From Los Angeles Times

He said he also dealt with reports of poltergeist activity, which is the belief held by some people that a spirit or force can move furniture or throw objects around a house.

From BBC

Andrew Lloyd Webber has said he once called on a priest to help remove a poltergeist from his London home.

From BBC

Here are a few insulation options of which your poltergeists will surely approve.

From Seattle Times