a cause of obsessive fear, irritation, or loathing, a mythical creature used in stories to frighten children

put the bugbear to rest, face one's bugbear, a political bugbear

Formal and Informal Expressions of bugbear

In different contexts, you can replace 'bugbear' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'source of anxiety, irritation' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'pet hate, pain in the neck' is a commonplace synonym.

bugbear: Explore its Definition & Usage

bugbear Definition

1a cause of obsessive fear, irritation, or loathing
2a mythical creature used in stories to frighten children

Using bugbear: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "bugbear" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
For many people, public speaking is a bugbear.
Example
The new software has been a real bugbear for the IT department.
Example
The idea of being alone in the dark is a bugbear for many children.

bugbear Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for bugbear

Phrases with bugbear

put the bugbear to rest
to put an end to something that has been causing fear or anxiety
Example
After months of worrying about the test, she finally put the bugbear to rest by passing with flying colors.
face one's bugbear
to confront something that causes fear or anxiety
Example
She decided to face her bugbear of public speaking by taking a course on effective communication.
a political bugbear
a political issue or topic that is frequently discussed or debated, often to the point of annoyance
Example
Immigration has become a political bugbear in many countries around the world.

Origins of bugbear

from Middle English 'bugge' meaning 'goblin' and 'beare' meaning 'bear'

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Summary: bugbear in Brief

The term 'bugbear' [ˈbʌɡbeə(r)] refers to something that causes obsessive fear, irritation, or loathing. It can be a personal pet peeve or a widely debated political issue. The term also refers to a mythical creature used in stories to frighten children. Phrases like 'put the bugbear to rest' and 'face one's bugbear' suggest confronting and overcoming one's fears.