Boogeyman
Monster under beds
A boogeyman is a mythical creature invoked to frighten children into good behavior—a monster lurking in closets or under beds.
The word extends to any vague, exaggerated, or imaginary threat: Immigration has become the boogeyman of this election cycle.
Also spelled bogeyman or boogyman.
Built-in storage chamber
- bedtimeDesignated hour for retiring
- darknessTotal absence of light
- hidingStaying out of sight
- lurkingConcealed and watchful
shadows · warning · cautionary · imagination · whispers · tales · fearful · sneaky
Extreme, overwhelming fear
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- frightSudden intense fear
- nightmareFrightening dream causing wakefulness
- panicUncontrollable sudden fear
anxiety · scream · shiver · horror · goosebumps · spine-tingling · eerie · menacing
Ghostly threatening presence
- phantomInsubstantial apparition
- goblinMalicious folklore creature
- ghoulUndead flesh-eating demon
- apparitionVisible supernatural manifestation
lore · legend · superstition · folktales · mythical · fable · haunt · spook
Unfairly blamed person
- threatIndication of potential harm
- fearmongeringDeliberately spreading exaggerated threats
- propagandaBiased information for influence
- villainWicked story antagonist
specter · phantom · imaginary · exaggerated · hysteria · paranoia · manipulation · politics
closet
Built-in storage chamber
lurking · shadows · warning · cautionary · imagination · whispers · tales · fearful · sneaky · invisible
terror
Extreme, overwhelming fear
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- frightSudden intense fear
- nightmareFrightening dream causing wakefulness
panic · anxiety · scream · shiver · horror · goosebumps · spine-tingling · eerie · menacing · creepy
specter
Ghostly threatening presence
apparition · lore · legend · superstition · folktales · mythical · fable · haunt · spook · cryptid
scapegoat
Unfairly blamed person
- threatIndication of potential harm
- fearmongeringDeliberately spreading exaggerated threats
- propagandaBiased information for influence
villain · specter · phantom · imaginary · exaggerated · hysteria · paranoia · manipulation · politics · media
- Horror IconsFreddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, Leatherface, Chucky
- personificationsMother Nature, Father Time, Grim Reaper, Lady Luck, Lady Justice
Boogeymanguardian angel
Protective spirit assigned individually
protector · fairy godmother · guardian · savior · defender
Boogeymansecurity blanket
Soothing attachment object
safe haven · comfort · reassurance · safety · night light