Bugbear

Quick meaning: Bugbear is a noun meaning An ongoing problem; a recurring obstacle or adversity.

Meaning

An ongoing problem; a recurring obstacle or adversity.

More Meanings

1. A source of dread; resentment; or irritation.
2. (folklore, fantasy) A generic creature, often described as a large goblin, meant to inspire fear in children.
3. (transitive) To alarm with idle phantoms.

Example Sentences

But, to the world no bugbear is so great As want of figure and a small estate.

What has this Bugbear Death to frighten Man, If Souls can die, as well as Bodies can?

What have I done to be made a bugbear of, and to be shunned and dreaded as if I brought the plague?

Next, they operate in constrained worlds. Apple is a particular bugbear for Mr Zuckerberg and Mr Sweeney.

Word Forms

• bugbears
• bug-bear
• bugbearing
• bugbeared

Synonyms for bugbear

Depending on context, synonyms include anathema, antipathy, bogeyman, bogey, bug-a-boo, bugaboo.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include bogeyman, boogeyman, bugaboo, booger, ogre, bane.

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