specter

• Ein Substantiv, das eine geisterhafte Erscheinung, ein Phantom oder ein bedrohliches, oft angstbesetztes Bild bezeichnet; häufig metaphorisch für eine drohende Gefahr oder einen Schrecken verwendet.

A noun referring to a ghostly apparition, phantom, or haunting image, often used metaphorically to describe a looming threat or fear.

1. Ghost or apparitionB2formal

   A visible spirit or ghost, especially one that is frightening or haunting.

   Gespenst

   • The old castle is said to be haunted by a specter.
   • He claimed to have seen a specter in the hallway.
   • The specter vanished as quickly as it appeared.

   Synonymeapparitionghostphantasmphantomshadespiritspookwraith

2. Threatening presenceC1formal

   A source of fear, anxiety, or dread; a looming threat.

   Drohende Gegenwart

   • The specter of war hung over the region.
   • Unemployment is a specter that haunts many workers.
   • The specter of failure prevented him from taking risks.

   Synonymebogeybugbeardreadmenacenightmarephantomshadowthreat