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Glite Dictionary
👻 A frequent visitor 😔 A lasting worry
haunter

haunter

9.3
Something that keeps causing sad memories or worry
  • noun
  • /ˈhɔːntər/
translation icon : pesadilla
  • The memory of his mistake became a lifelong haunter that he could never escape.

Examples

  • Guilt over the argument was a constant haunter in her thoughts.

  • His memories of the war are a haunter he cannot escape.

  • For years, the loss acted as a silent haunter in his daily life.

  • The past remains a constant haunter in her life.

  • The guilt over her missed opportunity became a lifelong haunter that prevented her from moving on.

  • His childhood traumas were a persistent haunter that affected his adult relationships.

  • Every decision he made was overshadowed by the haunter of his past mistakes, leaving him unsettled.

Synonyms

specter
vshaunter
  • US
30 8.2

A worrying memory or thought that keeps coming back

is any repeated cause of distressing memories thoughts or regret
albatross
vshaunter
  • Informal
6 8.4

A heavy problem that stays and keeps causing worry or trouble

is more about repeated painful memories or feelings rather than a practical burden
obsessor
vshaunter
9.8

An idea or thing that makes a person think about it all the time

is any repeated cause of distressing memories thoughts or regret

How Disturbing

tormentor
  • NSFW
12 7.9
haunter
9.3
memory
∞ 1.3
reminder
342 1.0

Surface Forms

haunter singular
haunters plural

Morphology

haunter = haunt (semi-transparent) = haunt + er

Formed from 'haunt' + '-er' but used figuratively as a recurring source of distress or regret, so the precise nuance may not be fully predictable for learners.

Etymology

Haunter also means something that keeps returning to your thoughts and feelings; it comes from haunt meaning 'to visit often', so a memory or guilt that keeps coming back is called a haunter because it keeps 'visiting' your mind.