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bugbear

/ˌbʌgˈbɛər/
IPA guide

Other forms: bugbears

Definitions of bugbear
  1. noun
    an imaginary monster used to frighten children
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    type of:
    monster
    an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts
  2. noun
    an object of dread or apprehension
    “Germany was always a bugbear for France”
    synonyms: hobgoblin
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    type of:
    object
    the focus of cognitions or feelings
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