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Bugbear

//ˈbʌɡ.bɛə(ɹ)// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    An ongoing problem; a recurring obstacle or adversity.

    "Stone ballast is now used throughout the main line, and has the additional advantage of eliminating the previous bugbear of dust."

  2. 2
    an object of dread or apprehension wordnet
  3. 3
    A source of dread; resentment; or irritation.

    "What has this Bugbear Death to frighten Man, If Souls can die, as well as Bodies can?"

  4. 4
    an imaginary monster used to frighten children wordnet
  5. 5
    A generic creature, often described as a large goblin, meant to inspire fear in children.

    "Ha, ha: alas poore wretch: a poore Chipochia, haſt not ſlept to night? would he not (a naughty man) let it ſleepe: a bug-beare take him."

Verb
  1. 1
    To alarm with idle phantoms. transitive

Etymology

Etymology 1

From obsolete meaning of bug (“something terrifying”) + bear. See Middle English bugge, modern bogey.

Etymology 2

From obsolete meaning of bug (“something terrifying”) + bear. See Middle English bugge, modern bogey.

See also for "bugbear"

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