English · Word Candidate

haunt

/hɔːnt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: haunts · haunting

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To inhabit or to visit frequently (most often used in reference to ghosts).

Verb

A couple of ghosts haunt the old, burnt-down house.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To make uneasy, restless.

Verb

The memory of his past failures haunted him.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

A place at which one is regularly found; a habitation or hangout.

Noun

The shopping mall is a popular haunt of the local teenagers in this town.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

A ghost.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “haunt” mean?

To inhabit or to visit frequently (most often used in reference to ghosts).

Is “haunt” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.