Definition

1. Noun:
   • A source of persistent fear, anxiety, or irritation: A "bugbear" is something that causes ongoing dread, worry, or annoyance, often perceived as a persistent problem.
   • An imaginary creature used to frighten children: Historically, a "bugbear" refers to a mythical monster invoked to scare children into good behavior.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • For many parents, internet safety is a major bugbear. (Here, "bugbear" refers to a persistent source of worry.)
  • In the story, the old witch was the bugbear of the village, used to keep children from wandering into the woods. (Here, "bugbear" refers to a frightening legendary figure.)
  • His biggest bugbear at work is the endless paperwork. (Here, "bugbear" means a constant annoyance.)

Advanced Usage

• "To be someone's bugbear": To be a particular person's persistent source of irritation or concern.
  • Lateness is the manager's bugbear; he cannot tolerate it.
• Used to describe an irrational but persistent fear.
  • For her, flying was a lifelong bugbear.

Variants and Related Words

• Bugaboo (noun): A direct synonym, often used interchangeably with "bugbear" to mean either a source of fear or an imaginary monster.
  • The proposed tax increase is a political bugaboo.

Synonyms

• Bête noire: A person or thing one particularly dislikes or dreads.
• Bogeyman: An imaginary evil spirit or monster used to frighten children.
• Pet peeve: A minor annoyance that one finds particularly irritating.
• Dread: Profound fear or apprehension.

Related Phrases

• A hobgoblin of little minds: This phrase, from Ralph Waldo Emerson, uses "hobgoblin" similarly to "bugbear" to mean a foolish or petty fear or obstacle. A "bugbear" can be such a hobgoblin.
  • For him, change was not a challenge but a bugbear, the hobgoblin of his conservative mind.

Related Idioms

• To have a bee in one's bonnet: To be obsessed or preoccupied with an idea, which can sometimes be a bugbear. While not identical, both phrases relate to a persistent, nagging concern.
  • He has a bee in his bonnet about recycling, which is a bugbear he brings up at every meeting.

Noun

1. an object of dread or apprehension
   • Germany was always a bugbear for France
   • A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds--Ralph Waldo Emerson
2. an imaginary monster used to frighten children