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bugbear
[ buhg-bair ]
/ ˈbʌgˌbɛər /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
any source, real or imaginary, of needless fright or fear.
a persistent problem or source of annoyance.
Folklore. a goblin that eats up naughty children.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use bugbear in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for bugbear
bugbear
/ (ˈbʌɡˌbɛə) /
noun
a thing that causes obsessive fear or anxiety
(in English folklore) a goblin said to eat naughty children and thought to be in the form of a bear
Word Origin for bugbear
C16: from bug ² + bear ²; compare bugaboo
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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