noun
spook
spook
noun
1
A ghost or supernatural apparition.
"The old house was said to be full of spooks."
2
An informal term for a spy or intelligence agent.
"Rumor had it he used to be a spook for the CIA."
verb
1
To frighten or unsettle someone, often suddenly.
"The loud bang spooked the horses."
"Don't spook her, she doesn't know we're here."
How to Use Spook
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA ghost, a spy (informal), or to frighten someone.
Common mistake
"Spook" as a term for a Black person is an offensive slur and should be avoided entirely.
Common pairings
spook someone
get spooked
Word Forms
spooked past tense, spooks plural, spooks singular
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The old house was said to be full of _____.
Etymology
Borrowed from Dutch spook, "ghost," related to German Spuk and Swedish spöke.