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Added 9 October 2026

bugbear

/ˈbʌɡ.bɛə(ɹ)/ noun

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about bugbear at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

An imaginary monster used to frighten children.
An object of dread or apprehension.
Germany was always a bugbear for France

Origin

From obsolete meaning of bug (“something terrifying”) + bear. See Middle English bugge, modern bogey.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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