bugbear

Meaning

Noun

1. An ongoing problem; a recurring obstacle or adversity.
2. A source of dread; resentment; or irritation.
3. A generic creature, often described as a large goblin, meant to inspire fear in children.

Verb

To alarm with idle phantoms.

Synonyms

bugaboo

bogey

hobgoblin

bogeyman

boogeyman

bogy

goblin

scarecrow

ghost

👻

booger

gremlin

grudge

hatred

ogre

pixie

principle

rancour

rudiment

sight

spite

sprite

troll

🧌

bete noire

hard feelings

whangdoodle

terrifier

boggard

boggart

scare-crow

amarulence

ranklement

resentiment

embitteredness

bête noire

apparition

scary spirit

bitterness

bug

🐛

cell

data

element

enmity

fright

genie

🧞

gnome

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈbʌɡ.bɛə(ɹ)/

Etymology

Cognate with Middle English: bugge

In summary

From obsolete meaning of bug (“something terrifying”) + bear. See Middle English bugge, modern bogey.