bugbear

1. n. Something frightful, as a specter; anything imaginary that causes needless fright; something used to excite needless fear; also, something really dangerous, used to frighten children, etc. Source: opted

2. n. Same as Bugaboo. Source: opted

3. a. Causing needless fright. Source: opted

4. v. t. To alarm with idle phantoms. Source: opted

5. n. an imaginary monster used to frighten children Source: wordnet

6. n. an object of dread or apprehension Source: wordnet

7. Something frightful, as a specter; anything imaginary that causes needless fright; something used to excite needless fear; also, something really dangerous, used to frighten children, etc. "Bugaboos to fright ye." Lloyd. But, to the world no bugbear is so great As want of figure and a small estate. Pope. The bugaboo of the liberals is the church pray. S. B. Griffin. The great bugaboo of the birds is the owl. J. Burroughs. Syn. -- Hobgoblin; goblin; specter; ogre; scarecrow. Same as Bugaboo. -- a. Causing needless fright. Locke. To alarm with idle phantoms. Source: webster

8. Same as Bugaboo.-- a. Source: adambom

9. n:100 n. an object of dread or apprehension Source: ecdict

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