bogeyman Definition
an imaginary evil spirit or frightening person, especially one used as a threat to children.
Using bogeyman: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "bogeyman" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Don't be afraid of the bogeyman, he's not real.
Example
The bogeyman is often used by parents to scare their children into behaving.
Example
The thought of the bogeyman hiding under the bed terrified the child.
Example
The bogeyman in the movie was particularly scary.
bogeyman Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with bogeyman
Example
If you don't go to bed now, the bogeyman will get you.
a person or thing that is blamed for causing a particular problem or difficulty
Example
The government was seen as the bogeyman of inflation during the economic crisis.
Example
After the terrorist attack, the group responsible became the bogeyman of terrorism.
Origins of bogeyman
from Middle English 'bogge' meaning 'hobgoblin'
Summary: bogeyman in Brief
The term 'bogeyman' [ˈbəʊɡimæn] refers to an imaginary evil spirit or frightening person, especially one used as a threat to children. It is often used in phrases like 'the bogeyman will get you,' and can also be used metaphorically to refer to a person or thing blamed for causing a particular problem or difficulty.
