What does SPOOK mean?

Spook 1. Parts of Speech

Noun, verb

2. Definitions

a. (noun) a ghost or spirit
b. (noun) a spy or undercover agent
c. (verb) to scare or startle someone

3. Pronunciations

US: /spuːk/
UK: /spʊk/

4. Origin and Usage

The word "spook" originated in the early 1800s as a noun meaning "ghost" or "specter." It is believed to have come from the Dutch word "spook," which means "ghost" or "specter." In the mid-1900s, "spook" also became a slang term for a spy or undercover agent, likely due to the secretive and elusive nature of both spies and ghosts. As a verb, "spook" means to scare or startle someone.

5. Synonyms

a. (noun) ghost, specter, phantom
b. (noun) spy, undercover agent, intelligence agent
c. (verb) scare, startle, frighten

6. Related Words

ghost, scare, haunt, eerie, spooky

7. Example Sentences

a. The old mansion was said to be haunted by a spook that roamed the halls at night.
b. The CIA agent was known as a master spook, able to blend in seamlessly with his surroundings.
c. The sudden noise spooked the horse, causing it to rear up and throw its rider.