Bogeyman
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈbəʊ.ɡɪˌmæn/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Bogeyman is a noun meaning A menacing, ghost-like monster in children's stories.
Meaning
A menacing, ghost-like monster in children's stories.
More Meanings
- (figuratively, by extension) Any make-believe threat, especially one used to intimidate or distract; a real threat greatly exaggerated for those purposes.
Example Sentences
Near-synonyms: bogeyperson, bogeywoman
Near-synonyms: bug-a-boo, bugaboo, chimera
The bogeyman of a Halloween-candy poisoner behind every door has animated occasional moral panics against trick-or-treating.
With no original ideas or solutions, they've now resorted to bringing out a tried-and-tested bogeymen in a last-ditch attempt to derail much-needed legislation.
Word Forms
- bogeymen
- bogieman
- bogyman
Synonyms for bogeyman
Depending on context, synonyms include bogey, bug-a-boo, bugaboo, bugbear, bogeyperson, bogeywoman.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include bugbear, boogeyman, bugaboo, booger, ogre, geezer.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.