English Reference
adjective

haunted

adj.
US /ˈhɔntɪd/ UK /hˈɔːntɪd/ haunt·ed

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    describes a place that people believe is visited by ghosts.

    inhabited or frequented by ghosts or spirits.

    Simple

    The children were too scared to go inside the haunted house at the end of the street.

    In context

    Local legends claim the haunted castle is still inhabited by the spirit of a knight who disappeared during the fourteenth century.

    spookyeerieghost ridden
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    showing that you are very worried or upset by something from your past.

    showing signs of mental anguish or persistent preoccupation with a past trauma or difficult memory.

    Simple

    He had a haunted look in his eyes after he returned from the war.

    In context

    The survivor's haunted expression suggested that the memories of the accident were still vivid and painful many years later.

    carefreeuntroubled

Ratchford has been haunted by her connection to these three men for the past 25 years.

BBC News· 29 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated