bugbear

== English == === Alternative forms === bug-bear === Etymology === From obsolete meaning of bug (“something terrifying”) +‎ bear. See Middle English bugge, modern bogey. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈbʌɡ.bɛə(ɹ)/, /ˈbʌɡ.bɛː(ɹ)/, enPR: bŭg′-bâr (General American) IPA(key): /ˈbʌɡ.bɛɚ/, enPR: bŭg′-bâr === Noun === bugbear (plural bugbears) An ongoing problem; a recurring obstacle or adversity. Synonym: pet peeve A source of dread; resentment; or irritation. [from late 16th c.] Synonyms: anathema, antipathy, bête noire 1709, John Dryden, "Lucretius: A Poem against the Fear of Death" (lines 1-2), published in a pamphlet of the same name with an Ode in Memory of Mrs. Ann Killebrew: What has this Bugbear Death to frighten Man, If Souls can die, as well as Bodies can? (folklore, fantasy) A generic creature, often described as a large goblin, meant to inspire fear in children. Synonyms: bogeyman, bogey, bug-a-boo, bugaboo Coordinate terms: specter, spook, troll; see also Thesaurus:ghost ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Verb === bugbear (third-person singular simple present bugbears, present participle bugbearing, simple past and past participle bugbeared) (transitive) To alarm with idle phantoms. (clarification of this definition is needed) === References === === Anagrams === Burbage, rubbage