Langimage
English

ghoul

|ghoul|

C1

/ɡuːl/

evil spirit

Etymology
Etymology Information

'ghoul' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'غول (ghūl)', where 'غول' meant 'demon or monster'.

Historical Evolution

'غول (ghūl)' was adopted into French as 'goule', and eventually became the modern English word 'ghoul'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'demon or monster', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'an evil spirit or phantom'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

an evil spirit or phantom, especially one supposed to rob graves and feed on dead bodies.

The ghoul haunted the old cemetery.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Noun 2

a person morbidly interested in death or disaster.

He was considered a ghoul for his fascination with crime scenes.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/02/09 01:50