Definition of undead

The term "undead" is a combination of two words: "un" (meaning not or without) and "dead". It refers to fictional or supernatural creatures that have been brought back to life or preserved in some way, despite having died. Although the usage of the word "undead" in this context appears to be relatively modern, its roots can be traced back to ancient myths and legends. In many cultures, there are tales of revenants or wraiths, spirits of the deceased that return from the grave to haunt the living. These traditions often depict the dead as being impelled by an unresolved issue or a desire to seek vengeance. The word "undead" is commonly associated with horror and fantasy literature, particularly in the context of films and videogames, where it is used to describe zombies, vampires, werewolves, and other monsters that defy death. Its popular usage can be traced back to the 1920s, when the term "revivified corpse" was still in use. However, "undead" has now become the more popular and widely understood phrase. Overall, the origins of the word "undead" remind us of the age-old fascination humans have with the supernatural and the unknown, and how our imaginations continue to be drawn to tales of the living dead.