In classical mythology, an avenging spirit or demon sent by the gods to punish the guilty, or a curse bringing misfortune to a family.
From Greek 'alastor' (ἀλάστωρ), literally 'the wanderer' or 'he who cannot rest,' from the concept of a spirit doomed to wander. The term entered European languages through classical texts and continues in literature and philosophy.
Shelley titled his famous poem 'Alastor; or, the Spirit of Solitude' using this term, and it appears in modern fantasy and literature because it captures something people find terrifying—a curse that follows you, personal and inescapable, hunting you across generations!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.