bogeyman

noun
UK: /ˈbəʊ.ɡi.mæn/
US: /ˈboʊ.ɡi.mæn/

  1. An imaginary creature or person used to frighten children.

    1. Parents told kids to behave, or the bogeyman would get them. [ ] [ ]
    2. The story described the bogeyman as a shadowy figure that haunted children's dreams. [ ] [ ]

  2. A person or thing that causes fear or anxiety.

    1. Taxes are a bogeyman for many people during tax season. [ ] [ ]
    2. For some, public speaking is a bogeyman they desperately try to avoid because of their shyness. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

monster horror specter threat demon menace phantom

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "bogeyman" in English means: An imaginary creature or person used to frighten children., A person or thing that causes fear or anxiety..

The phonetic transcription of "bogeyman" is /ˈbəʊ.ɡi.mæn/ in British English and /ˈboʊ.ɡi.mæn/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "bogeyman": monster, horror, specter, threat, demon, menace, phantom.

Example usage of "bogeyman": "Parents told kids to behave, or the bogeyman would get them.". More examples on the page.