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Bugbear: meaning, definitions and examples

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bugbear

 

[ ˈbʌɡˌbɛr ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mythical creature

A bugbear is a mythical creature resembling a bear or goblin that is used to frighten children. Traditionally found in folklore, bugbears are often described as ghoulish figures that lurk in the dark, waiting to scare those who misbehave. The term has also evolved in more modern usage to refer to a source of fear, anxiety, or annoyance. Bugbears can be employed metaphorically to highlight things that people find particularly disturbing or troubling in various contexts.

Synonyms

boogeyman, horror, nightmare, nuisance

Examples of usage

  • The children were afraid of the bugbear under their bed.
  • My biggest bugbear is public speaking.
  • Each parent's bugbear is different when it comes to discipline.
  • The movie depicted a bugbear that terrorized the village.

Translations

Translations of the word "bugbear" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fantasma

🇮🇳 भूत

🇩🇪 Schreckgespenst

🇮🇩 hantu

🇺🇦 страшилка

🇵🇱 straszydło

🇯🇵 お化け

🇫🇷 spectre

🇪🇸 fantasma

🇹🇷 hayalet

🇰🇷 유령

🇸🇦 شبح

🇨🇿 strašidlo

🇸🇰 strašidlo

🇨🇳 鬼怪

🇸🇮 strah

🇮🇸 draugur

🇰🇿 елес

🇬🇪 მოჩვენება

🇦🇿 xəyal

🇲🇽 fantasma

Etymology

The term 'bugbear' traces its origins back to Middle English, from the combination of 'bug', a word used in the 15th century meaning a frightening creature, and 'bear', which suggests a formidable or threatening nature. The earliest known usage in literature can be found in the 15th century, appearing in various texts portraying bugbears as creatures capable of instilling fear, especially among children. Its folklore roots in British traditions depict bugbears as hairy, goblin-like beings that would steal away misbehaving children. Over time, the term transitioned into popular culture, evolving from a supernatural entity into a concept representing metaphorical fears or annoyances, which serve as a reflection of individual anxieties in everyday contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,194 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.