Langimage
English

zombie

|zom/bie|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈzɑːmbi/

🇬🇧

/ˈzɒmbi/

reanimated corpse

Etymology
Etymology Information

'zombie' originates from West African languages, specifically the word 'nzambi,' where 'n-' meant 'spirit' and 'zambi' meant 'god.'

Historical Evolution

'nzambi' transformed into the Haitian Creole word 'zonbi,' and eventually became the modern English word 'zombie.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'spirit of the dead,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'reanimated corpse.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a reanimated corpse that has been brought back to life by supernatural means.

In the movie, the protagonist fights off a horde of zombies.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a person who is or appears lifeless, apathetic, or completely unresponsive to their surroundings.

After working a double shift, he felt like a zombie.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/02/02 13:16