The term poltergeist is German in origin. It first found its way into the English vocabulary in the 1830s and literally translates as "noisy ghost." The term is formed from the German words "poltern," meaning "to make sound," and "geist," meaning "ghost."

Although "noisy ghost" is generally accepted in common vernacular, it's not quite as simple as this. "Geist" can also mean "spirit," so "noisy spirit" would also be acceptable.

The German verb "poltern" does mean "to make sound", but it can also mean "to knock", "to rumble," and "to rattle." So sometimes the term is translated as "rumble ghost," "loud spirit," or "knocking spirit."

These verbs all have traits that are common in poltergeist hauntings: furniture rumbles, door handles rattle, knocks, and rapping are heard. We also categorize objects being moved or thrown as poltergeist activity. This would normally result in some kind of noise and would "make sound."

Making the distinction between...