poltergeist

American  

[pohl-ter-gahyst] / ˈpoʊl tərˌgaɪst /

noun

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

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poltergeist British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of poltergeist

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

Example Sentences

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 • Jan. 23, 2025

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 • Oct. 31, 2024

Here’s what you should know about the mysterious rise and fall of the purported poltergeist.

From National Geographic • Sep. 19, 2023

Both have reportedly claimed that a Skinwalker ranch poltergeist followed them home.

From Scientific American • Jun. 27, 2023

One night in the middle of winter a fierce storm came along and shook the shack as if it were made of matchsticks, and shrieked at the ceiling like a poltergeist.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane