Bugbear (Noun)
Meaning 1
An object of dread or apprehension; "Germany was always a bugbear for France"; "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds"--Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Synonyms
Meaning 2
An imaginary monster used to frighten children.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The parents told their kids that if they didn't go to bed on time, the bugbear would come and get them.
- In many old tales, the bugbear was described as a big, hairy creature that lived in the woods and ate naughty children.
- The child's parents used the bugbear as a way to scare her into behaving and eating her vegetables.
- The bugbear was a popular monster in children's stories, often depicted as a fearsome beast with sharp teeth and glowing eyes.
- The mother threatened to call the bugbear if her kids didn't stop fighting and go to their rooms immediately.