Bogeyman
/ˈboʊ.ɡiˌmæn/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A menacing, ghost-like monster in children's stories.
"Near-synonyms: bogeyperson, bogeywoman"
- 2 an imaginary monster used to frighten children wordnet
- 3 Any make-believe threat, especially one used to intimidate or distract; a real threat greatly exaggerated for those purposes. broadly, figuratively
"Near-synonyms: bug-a-boo, bugaboo, chimera"
Example
More examples"Tom is a bogeyman. If he lets himself be seen, all the children take flight."
Etymology
From bogey + -man.