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bugaboo
Definitions
1
noun
An
object
of
fear
or
alarm
,
often
without
real
cause
;
a
source
of
needless
worry
.
The
idea
of
speaking
in
public
is
a
bugaboo
for
many
people
.
For
some
,
the
thought
of
flying
is
a
bugaboo
that
prevents
them
from
traveling
.
The
new
policy
was
initially
seen
as
a
bugaboo
,
but
it
turned
out
to
be
beneficial
.
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Word Origin
Language
English
Originally meant
an imaginary object of fear
Background
The word 'bugaboo' has been used since the 18th century to describe something that causes unnecessary fear or worry. It likely originated from earlier terms like 'bugbear,' which referred to a mythical creature used to frighten children.