noun
bogey
Something regarded as a source of fear or trouble.
The speaker uses foreign competition as a bogey.
Etymology
Bogey names a frightening imaginary creature, though its deeper origin is uncertain. The word extends that source of fear to a problem or threat that people regard with dread.
More examples
- The old tale invents a bogey to frighten children.
- Several familiar bogeys appeared in the argument.
- They refused to let that bogey dominate the debate.
Forms
bogey · bogeys
Similar words
- specter
- Specter similarly evokes a feared possibility.
- bugbear
- Bugbear often means a persistent source of irritation or fear.