bugbear

Plural: bugbears

Noun

• A source of irrational fear or a persistent problem.
• an imaginary monster used to frighten children
• an object of dread or apprehension; ; --Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • "Germany was always a bugbear for France"
• An ongoing problem; a recurring obstacle or adversity.
• A source of dread; resentment; or irritation.
• A generic creature, often described as a large goblin, meant to inspire fear in children.

Verb

• To alarm with idle phantoms.

Examples

• The open triple-word score, if taken by an opponent, was a definite bugbear.

Synonyms

bogeyman, booger, boogeyman, bugaboo, hobgoblin, anathema, antipathy, bête noire, pet peeve

Related Words

bogeyman, bugaboo, bête noire