bugbear Hear it!

bugbear definition

bug·bear (bug′ber′)

noun

  1. an imaginary hobgoblin or terror used to frighten children into good conduct
  2. anything causing seemingly needless or excessive fear or anxiety

Etymology: bug + bear

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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