specter

especially British, spec·tre

[spek-ter]

noun

1. a visible incorporeal spirit, especially one of a terrifying nature; ghost; phantom; apparition.

   Synonyms: shade

2. some object or source of terror or dread.

   the specter of disease or famine.

Word History and Origins

Origin of specter¹

First recorded 1595–1605; from Latin spectrum “appearance, form”; spectrum

Synonym Study

See ghost.

Example Sentences

“I don’t want to be a specter in the life of these children at all,” Radcliffe said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The specter of the bond market—and the ghost of the lettuce—are still haunting European politics.

Read more on Barron's

The specter of the bond market—and the ghost of the lettuce—are still haunting European politics.

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“The specter of government interference alone chills broadcasters’ speech and suppresses their message,” the petition says.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Incorrigibles jumped back as a tall, slim figure, bloodless and gray as some awful specter from Beyond the Veil emerged from the chimney itself.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• demon 
• shadow