ghost someone

Meaning

To 'ghost someone' means to suddenly end all communication with someone (such as a romantic interest, friend, or even a job recruiter) without any warning or explanation. The person doing the ghosting simply stops responding to texts, calls, and social media messages. It is generally considered rude and is a very common term in modern dating and social life.

Examples

• I thought our first date went really well, but then he ghosted me.

  I thought our first date went really well, but then he ghosted me.

• It's so immature to ghost someone instead of just saying you're not interested.

  It's so immature to ghost someone instead of just saying you're not interested.

• We talked every day for a month, and then she just ghosted.

  We talked every day for a month, and then she just ghosted.

• I hate when recruiters ghost you after a final round interview.

  I hate when recruiters ghost you after a final round interview.

• If you're going to ghost him, at least block him so you aren't tempted to text back.

  If you're going to ghost him, at least block him so you aren't tempted to text back.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ She made me ghost.

  ✓ She ghosted me.

  'Ghost' is used as a direct transitive verb. You do not 'make someone ghost' when they stop talking to you; you say that they 'ghosted' you.

• ✗ I was ghosted from him.

  ✓ I was ghosted by him.

  If you are using the passive voice, the correct preposition to introduce the person who stopped talking to you is 'by', not 'from'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• We went on three dates, and then he completely ___ me.

  💡 Use the past tense of the verb.

  Show answer

  ghosted

• Please don't ___ her; just tell her you want to be friends.

  💡 Use the base form of the verb.

  Show answer

  ghost