ghosting

[ goh-sting ]

noun

1. the appearance of multiple copies or blurred representations of an object on a screen or in an image.
2. Informal.
   1. the practice of suddenly ending all contact with a person without explanation, often in a dating or romantic relationship:

      After several unanswered calls and texts to her, he concluded he’d been a victim of ghosting.

   2. French leave,. the act of leaving a social event or engagement suddenly and without saying goodbye:

      Ghosting might be the best option if we want to get home before midnight.

   3. the act or practice of abandoning a job without notice and refusing further contact:

      A labor shortage has contributed to ghosting in the workplace.

3. Digital Technology. the removal of comments, threads, or other content from a website or online forum without informing the poster, keeping them hidden from the public but still visible to the poster.
4. the act of adopting the identity of a dead person, especially someone relatively unknown, before the death has been recognized by the government, banks, etc.:

   Sometimes ghosting can go on for months before the crime is detected.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ghosting¹

First recorded in 1955–60; ghost + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Just know that help is out there – even after a ghosting, you’re not alone.

From No Straight News

Participants provided responses to questions asking them to reflect on their ghosting experiences.

From No Straight News

VA panels offer impressive contrast and color reproduction, but trend toward higher response times, so they’re more prone to motion blur and ghosting.

From Popular-Science

However, VA panels broadly trend towards higher response times, which make them more prone to motion blur and ghosting.

From Popular-Science

I’ve always been excited for the possibilities of this side of the technology, but color e-paper screens have always suffered from poor contrast, low refresh speeds, ghosting, and other shortcomings.

From TechCrunch

Unlike most government officials, he wrote well, even when ghosting.

From The Daily Beast

There was no second thought in her mind when she first declined the ghosting, and afterwards undertook the part.

From Project Gutenberg

I couldn't be crazy about a melodious breath of air ghosting around the back yard.

From Project Gutenberg