Doppelganger

A doppelganger (German for "double-goer") is a look-alike or double of a living person. This ghostly counterpart often appears as a paranormal phenomenon, representing a person's evil twin, or a harbinger of ill fortune or death. The appearance of a doppelganger can range from an exact physical replica to a more ambiguous shadowy figure. The concept transcends folklore, finding its way into literature, film, and psychology, exploring themes of identity, duality, and the subconscious. Seeing one's own doppelganger is often seen as a presage of doom or impending bad luck.

Doppelganger meaning with examples

• The detective was convinced that a doppelganger was stalking his lead suspect, as witnesses reported seeing the man at locations miles apart within minutes. This uncanny duplication of the suspect's appearance fueled the investigation with a layer of suspense as the detective questioned the suspect.
• Haunted by a chilling vision, the author described a dark doppelganger in her novel, creating a character haunted by his own, darker reflection. Readers grappled with the duality of the protagonist, never quite sure which version was the 'real' one.
• In a psychological study, several participants reported vivid dreams involving doppelgangers, which the researchers interpreted as reflections of suppressed fears and anxieties. The mirrored image symbolized a hidden aspect of the self.
• The old house was rumored to be haunted by a doppelganger, its appearances foretelling the death of prominent residents over the years. The chilling accounts of the apparitions caused panic and fear within the community.