spook
noun
have spooked
-
present perfectof spook.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She suspects the steady flow of visitors may have spooked the bugs.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 3, 2026
Claude Cowork, along with OpenAI’s OpenClaw, have spooked Wall Street in recent weeks, as investors and analysts wonder if these third-party offerings could hurt incumbent enterprise software providers.
From MarketWatch ● Mar. 9, 2026
The comments about prices being too high might have spooked investors.
From Barron's ● Dec. 8, 2025
Ms Dickinson suggested that the Budget and rising energy bills might have "spooked some consumers" and blamed more mild weather recently for delaying winter purchases of items like coats and jackets.
From BBC ● Nov. 5, 2024
I must have spooked him, because he ignored me for the rest of class, only glancing at me from the corner of his eye like everyone else was.
From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely
