English Explanatory Dictionary

bugbear

English dictionary entry

Meanings

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
  1. To alarm with idle phantoms.

Pronunciation

/ˈbʌɡ.bɛə(ɹ)/ /ˈbʌɡ.bɛː(ɹ)/ bŭg′-bâr LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-bugbear.wav /ˈbʌɡ.bɛɚ/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Naomi Persephone Amethyst (NaomiAmethyst)-bugbear.wav

Word forms

bugbear bugbears bug-bear bugbearing bugbeared

Etymology

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

Synonyms

pet peeve anathema antipathy bête noire bogeyman bogey bug-a-boo bugaboo

Derived words

bugbearish
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