BUGBEAR

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does bugbear mean? 

• BUGBEAR (noun)
  The noun BUGBEAR has 2 senses:

1. an imaginary monster used to frighten children

2. an object of dread or apprehension

  Familiarity information: BUGBEAR used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• BUGBEAR (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

An imaginary monster used to frighten children

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Synonyms:

bogeyman; booger; boogeyman; bugaboo; bugbear

Hypernyms ("bugbear" is a kind of...):

monster (an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts)

Sense 2

Meaning:

An object of dread or apprehension

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Synonyms:

bugbear; hobgoblin

Context example:

A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds

Hypernyms ("bugbear" is a kind of...):

object (the focus of cognitions or feelings)