What Does “Spook” Mean

Spook means to scare someone, or to make someone feel frightened or uneasy. It can also be used as a noun for a ghost or spirit.

In daily English, people use spook when something suddenly frightens them, like a loud noise or an unexpected movement. It can also be used informally to mean “worry” or “alarm” someone, as in “That news really spooked me.”

Meaning & Usage

Spook is a casual word used in both everyday conversation and writing. As a verb, it means to scare or startle. As a noun, it can mean a ghost, especially in older or informal use.

Examples

“The sudden bang spooked the dog.”

“That strange noise spooked me.”

“People say the old house is haunted by a spook.”

Is “spook” a formal word?

No, it is mostly informal. People use it in casual speech more than in formal writing.

Can “spook” mean a ghost?

Yes. In some contexts, especially informal or old-fashioned English, spook can mean a ghost or spirit.

What does “spooked” mean?

Spooked means frightened, startled, or made nervous by something.