Definition of spook

The word "spook" has a fascinating history! It originated from the 17th-century Dutch word "spook," which means "ghost" or "specter." The term was later adopted into Middle English as "spook," and initially referred to a supernatural being or a haunting atmosphere. Over time, the meaning of "spook" expanded to include other connotations. In the 19th century, a "spook" could also refer to a person who was considered eerie, unsettling, or mysterious. In the early 20th century, the term gained a more benign connotation, referring to something or someone that was simply strange or unusual. Today, "spook" can be used in various contexts, from horror movies and haunted houses to the military, where a "spook" might refer to an intelligence operative or a spy. Despite its shifting meanings, the word "spook" has retained its eerie and intriguing essence, making it a staple in our modern lexicon.