bogeyman

See also: bogey man

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From bogey + -man.

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈbəʊ.ɡɪˌmæn/, /ˈbəʊ.ɡiˌmæn/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈboʊ.ɡiˌmæn/, /ˈbʊɡ.iˌmæn/, /ˈbu.ɡiˌmæn/
  • (Canada) IPA(key): /ˈbu.ɡiˌmæn/

Noun

bogeyman (plural bogeymen)

  1. A menacing, ghost-like monster in children's stories.
  2. (by extension) Any make-believe threat, especially one used to intimidate or distract.
    • 2013, Frances Booth, The Distraction Trap:
      Before the Internet it was television. And, if not that, it was radio, films, or games. All have taken their turn as the popular bogeyman, blighting the minds of the young.

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