What does revenant mean?
A revenant is a ghost or spirit believed to return from the dead. In literary and Gothic contexts, the term often suggests that the dead has returned because some matter remains unresolved: a wrong to be avenged, a promise to be kept, or a life that ended in suffering. A revenant is therefore not merely a ghost, but one distinguished by the fact of returning and usually by a purpose connected with the past. The word can also be used more broadly and figuratively for someone or something that reappears after a long absence, although this sense is much less common. Its unusual history gives it a memorable double resonance: it comes from a French word meaning “returning,” originally associated with someone who comes back, including a supposed returning spirit. Revenant remains a distinctive choice in fiction, folklore, poetry, and descriptions of haunted places.
nounA revenant is a ghost or spirit believed to have returned after death, especially one whose return is associated with vengeance or an unresolved matter.
- A ghost or spirit believed to return after death, especially in search of vengeance or redress.
- Literarily, a person or thing that returns after an absence.
"The ruined house was said to be haunted by the revenant of a woman killed there centuries earlier."
"The revenant appeared at midnight, reciting the last words she had spoken before her death."
"With the return of the lost expedition, the story acquired the atmosphere of a revenant tale."
Used when referring to multiple returning spirits or ghosts.
"The ruined chapel was said to contain the souls of revenants denied entry into the church."
A revenant was once simply “one who returns”; the word now evokes a spirit that returns from the dead, often with unfinished business.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does revenant come from?
The English word comes from French revenant, the present participle of revenir, meaning “to return” or “to come back.” Revenir combines re-, meaning “again,” with venir, “to come,” from Latin venire, “to come.” French revenant was applied to a person or spirit returning from the dead, and English borrowed the word for a ghost believed to reappear after death.
How revenant is actually used
Chiefly literary or narrative usage, with strong Gothic associations. The word is more specific than a general “ghost” because it emphasizes a spirit or person who returns after death.
Easily confused with revenant
A revenant is a returning ghost or spirit, whereas reverent means deeply respectful.