Paltergeisting

Paltergeisting (verb, from “paltering” + “poltergeist”)

Core definition:

To “haunt” or destabilize someone’s understanding of reality by using technically true but misleading communication, so that they walk away confused, doubting themselves, or unable to tell what was real.

It’s not just paltering (using truth to mislead).
Paltergeisting = the active act of creating that haunting, foggy after-effect.

• “He didn’t lie about where he was, he just said ‘I stepped out for a bit.’ Left out the part where he stepped out with his ex. That’s straight paltergeisting.”
• “Talking to that company rep was wild. Every answer was technically true and somehow I knew less after each email. I’ve been paltergeisted.”
• “Stop paltergeisting me and just say what you actually did.”

Paltergeisting by dogdog December 2, 2025

poltergeisting 

When someone tries to ghost you, but because you have a lot of mutual friends or share a common hangout, you keep running into them and they act like they don't know you. They become more of a negative presence that won't leave than a ghost.

Ugh, he's here again, but he won't even look at me or say hi. I think he's poltergeisting me.

poltergeisting by juiceboxx May 21, 2016

Poltergeisting 

When someone has no interesting in going on another date but keeps texting like they do.

Ug, this guy says he wants to go out, but anytime I ask when, he says he's busy. I think he's poltergeisting me

Poltergeisting by ToxxicGlitter June 18, 2023