- Something frightful, as a specter; anything imaginary that
causes needless fright; something used to excite needless fear; also,
something really dangerous, used to frighten children, etc. - Same as Bugaboo.
3 . Bugbear
[ v. t.]
- To alarm with idle phantoms.
Meaning of 'Bugbear' (Princeton's WordNet)
1 . bugbear
[ n]
Meaning (1): - an object of dread or apprehension
Example in sentence:
A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds;