Whats a poltergeist?

Question

Whats a poltergeist?

Answer 1

An invisible spirit that makes noises, move objects around, and other unnerving things.  They are usually tied to the place they haunt.

Geist is German for ghost, polter is not a word as far as I know, so is probably the name of place this ghost was first recorded .

Answer 2

To elaborate on the word's etymology, "Geist" does in fact mean "spirit" or "ghost" ("Heiliger Geist"--"Holy Spirit/Ghost", "Zeitgeist"--"spirit of the times) and "polter" comes from the German verb "poltern," which means to "rumble" or "make noise."  There have been explanations since the word's first use in the late 1600s, but, of course, that's when the word was first used, not when such activity was first recorded.  Generally, occultists today agree that poltergeists do not directly manifest themselves, but upset the household through knocking, throwing furniture, etc.  Some believe they are manifestations of psychic power, not any real "spiritual entity" because they supposedly focus on one person in the household (or wherever it may be), usually a teen with angst.  Of course, it's a paranormal thing with little scientic proof and an idea that has changed over time, so your guess on what these things may be are as good as mine.

Answer 3

A spirit that usually stays in one house (could be various reasons, but usually bad ones) and makes noise, moves objects, pretty much all the time tries to purposely spook the residents, and maybe annoy them.

Not something I'd want in my house...

Answer 4

the word poltergeist in greek means noisy ghost. but in true life they have a motive to hurt scare and even sometimes kill

Answer 5

If you look at the etymology of the word (word origins), polter is derived from the German word poltern (meaning "rumble" or "noise") and geist means "spirit" or "ghost". A poltergeist literally means a spirit or ghost that makes noise (noise perhaps meaning disruption of some kind). Poltergeists are typically represented as being confined to a specific area such as a house.

Answer 6

There's two different theories on poltergeists.  One is that is it a ghost/spirit that goes around the house causing trouble and making noises.  Another theory is that it is the negative energy that a person in the house is keeping to themselves.  Sort of like internalizing their problems.  The negative energy builds up and shows itself by moving things, breaking things, etc.  Most poltergeist hauntings are in houses that teenagers (especially girls) are who are going through emotional troubles or stress.

Answer 7

A poltergeist is the ghost of someone who is determined to create trouble, in theory. He/She can throw items around, lock doors, slam windows, maybe even push people down the stairs. They're just there to annoy people and be a nuisance. Idk if you've read the Harry Potter series, but Peeves is a poltergeist.