eldritch

[ el-drich ]

adjective

1. eerie; weird; spooky.

eldritch

/ ˈɛldrɪtʃ /

adjective

1. poetic.
   unearthly; weird

Word History and Origins

Origin of eldritch¹

First recorded in 1500–10; earlier elrich, elphrish; of disputed origin: probably elf + Middle English riche “realm, kingdom”

Word History and Origins

Origin of eldritch¹

C16: perhaps from Old English ælf elf + rīce realm; see rich

Example Sentences

The eldritch, alien movements of octopus arms have captivated people for generations.

From Salon

“Walk the village’s corrupted streets, brave a sinking cargo ship, and descend deeper and deeper beneath the waves to face unspeakable eldritch evil,” its website invites.

From Seattle Times

Lovecraft’s characters realized they were insignificant entities in a universe ruled by unfathomable eldritch entities.

From The Verge

Jeff VanderMeer for recognizing the sheer eldritch eeriness of “nature”: How can a world that contains the hagfish, the axolotl and the Devil’s Finger fungus not make for weird writing?

From New York Times

It is a series of buttons, gestures, and other eldritch incantations to make apps that need a touchscreen work on a Mac.

From The Verge

Related Words

• creepy
• eerie
• fey
• mysterious
• otherworldly
• spooky
• strange
• supernatural
• weird