bugbear

• Ein eingebildetes Schreckgespenst, mit dem man Kinder ängstigt, oder ein Gegenstand ständiger Furcht und Sorge.

A noun referring to an imaginary monster used to frighten children, or an object of persistent dread or apprehension.

1. Imaginary monsterB2formal

   A mythical creature or goblin used to scare children into behaving.

   Butzemann

   • The old nanny told stories of a bugbear that lived in the closet.
   • Parents sometimes use a bugbear to keep their kids from wandering off.
   • The legend of the bugbear has been passed down for generations.

   Synonymebogeymanboogeymanbugaboohobgoblinmonsterogre

2. Persistent annoyanceC1formal

   A recurring source of irritation, worry, or difficulty.

   Ständiges Ärgernis

   • Traffic jams are a major bugbear for city commuters.
   • His biggest bugbear is people who are late for meetings.
   • The constant paperwork has become a real bugbear for the staff.

   Synonymeannoyancebanebotherirritantnuisancepet peeveplaguevexation