Ghosting

Definition

The practice of suddenly ending all communication and contact with another person without any apparent warning or explanation, especially in a romantic relationship or friendship.

Examples

• He ghosted me after our third date; he just stopped replying to my texts.
• I thought we were friends, but she started ghosting me last month.

Origin & Context

The term became prominent with the rise of online dating and digital communication in the 2010s, where it's easier to disappear from someone's life by simply not responding.

For Parents & Educators

Describes a behavior that is widely considered hurtful and disrespectful.