bugbear

About 0.12 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun An ongoing problem; a recurring obstacle or adversity.
2. noun A source of dread; resentment; or irritation. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
3. noun A generic creature, often described as a large goblin, meant to inspire fear in children.
4. verb To alarm with idle phantoms. (clarification of this definition is needed)

Similar words

bogeyman boogeyman bugaboo booger ogre bane bug-bear bogey problem child boggard

Often followed by

of to in and for that which was is

Word family

bugbears