bugbear

[ buhg-bair ]

noun

1. any source, real or imaginary, of needless fright or fear.
2. a persistent problem or source of annoyance.
3. Folklore. a goblin that eats up naughty children.

bugbear

/ ˈbʌɡˌbɛə /

noun

1. a thing that causes obsessive fear or anxiety
2. (in English folklore) a goblin said to eat naughty children and thought to be in the form of a bear

Word History and Origins

Origin of bugbear¹

First recorded in 1570–80; bug ² + bear ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of bugbear¹

C16: from bug ² + bear ²; compare bugaboo

Example Sentences

They asked him if he was president of the Union League - a particular bugbear for the Klan because it sought to organize freedmen.

From The Daily Beast

Will constitutional-law professors replace community organizers and the French as the right's latest bugbear?

From The Daily Beast

So that fastidious snuff-takers may dismiss this bugbear at once and forever.

From Project Gutenberg

The chest was soon filled with quilts and that bugbear was gone from her life.

From Project Gutenberg

A mere bugbear to frighten children, believe me; and never yet alarmed a brave man.

From Project Gutenberg

As for the Tennessee land, so long a will-o'the-wisp and a bugbear, it became tangible property at last.

From Project Gutenberg

This bogie, phantom, bugbear, is a supposed influence called "Reaction."

From Project Gutenberg