Glossary of Paranormal and ghostly Terms

To help you understand the paranormal we have compiled a list of the most common terms used in the world of the paranormal and ghost hunting.

Ghost - A ghost is said to be the apparition of a deceased person, frequently similar in appearance to that person, ghost are usually encountered in places where the dead person is said to have frequented, or in association with the person's former belongings.

The word "ghost" may also refer to the spirit or soul of a deceased person, or to any spirit or demon. Ghosts are often associated with hauntings, which is, according to the Para psychological Association, "the more or less regular occurrence of paranormal phenomena associated with a particular locality (especially a building) and usually attributed to the activities of a discarnate entity; the phenomena may include apparitions, poltergeist disturbances, cold drafts, sounds of footsteps and voices, smell of various odours and also there have been known cases of people experiencing unpleasant tastes.

Ghost Buster – This is a person who is said to be able to clear a location of ghosts and spirits

Ghost Chime – A wind chime which makes noise as a ghost or spirit passes by it.

Ghost Hunt – Is used to describe the activity of searching for ghosts and spirits and other paranormal apparitions

Ghost Hunter - This is the person who actively searches for ghost, spirits or haunted places

Ghost Investigation – This can be either a scientific experiments in a controlled area or environment or a group of people searching out ghost and spirits. All sightings, noises and feelings are recorded by each individual involved on the investigation; also readings are taken from equipment used and recorded along with weather conditions, temperature and other measurements.

Ghoul - A ghoul is a monster from ancient Arabian folklore that dwells in burial grounds and other uninhabited places. The English word comes from the Arabic name for the creature: الغول ghūl, which literally means "demon". In English folklore it is said that the ghoul is a fiendish spirit that robs graves to feed on the newly departed.

Grey Lady – The grey Lady is said to be the spirit or ghost of a woman who died at the hands of her lover. Throughout history there are several sightings of grey ladies at various haunted locations.

Guardian Angel – An angel that is believed to protect an individual from harm.