Definition

Noun: 1. A reanimating supernatural force in Voodoo: In the context of Voodoo religious practices, a 'zombie spirit' is a spirit or supernatural force believed to possess or reanimate a dead body, bringing it back to a state of mindless, soulless animation. 2. A specific concept within Voodoo cosmology: It refers to the spiritual essence or power that is manipulated, often through sorcery, to create a zombie—a being devoid of free will and consciousness.

Usage Examples

• According to some Voodoo traditions, a is summoned by a bokor (sorcerer) to inhabit a corpse.
• The legend describes the as a force that binds the dead body to the will of its master.
• Folk tales warn of the being trapped, preventing the deceased from resting peacefully.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used almost exclusively in anthropological, religious, or folkloric discussions about Haitian Voodoo and its diaspora.
• It differentiates the supernatural cause (the spirit) from the physical result (the zombie body).

Variants and Related Words

• Zombie (n): The reanimated corpse itself, controlled by the zombie spirit or through other means. (e.g., )
• Revenant (n): A more general term for a corpse that has returned from the dead, not specific to Voodoo.
• Bokor (n): A Voodoo sorcerer or priest who is said to have the power to manipulate zombie spirits.

Synonyms

• Animating spirit
• Reanimating force

Notes on Meaning

• Cultural/Religious Specificity: This term is deeply tied to the beliefs and practices of Haitian Voodoo (Vodou). Its use outside this specific context may be considered inaccurate or appropriative.
• Distinction from Pop Culture: In modern horror fiction, a "zombie" is often created by a virus or radiation, not a 'zombie spirit'. This term maintains the original folkloric and religious connotations.

Noun

1. (voodooism) a spirit or supernatural force that reanimates a dead body