What Does Ghosting Mean?
Suddenly cutting off all communication with someone without explanation.
Meaning of Ghosting
"Ghosting" is the act of suddenly and completely cutting off all communication with someone without any explanation. The person who ghosts simply stops responding to messages, calls, and social media interactions — essentially disappearing like a ghost. It's most commonly associated with dating, where someone you've been seeing suddenly vanishes, but it can happen in friendships and professional relationships too.
Origin & History
The term "ghosting" emerged in the dating world around 2014-2015 with the rise of dating apps like Tinder and Bumble. The ease of digital communication made it simpler to disappear on someone. The term was added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary and became a widely recognized concept in modern dating culture.
Usage Examples
- “We went on three great dates and then he completely ghosted me.”
- “I hate getting ghosted — just tell me you're not interested.”
- “She ghosted her friend group after the argument.”
- “The recruiter ghosted me after the second interview.”
- “Don't ghost people, it's better to be honest.”