bête noire
One's particular bugbear
A bête noire is a person or thing one particularly dislikes or dreads—a source of persistent irritation or fear.
The French phrase means "black beast," suggesting something dark and menacing.
Grammatical errors are the bête noire of copy editors.
Public speaking remained his bête noire throughout his career.
State of being bothered
- nuisanceCause of aggravation
- bugbearPersistent cause of anxiety
- pet peevePersonal source of irritation
- gripeVoice minor displeasure
vexation · aggravation · frustration · irk · bother · thorn in side · sore point · grievance
Enemy in conflict
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- archenemyPrincipal antagonist
- rivalOne who competes against
- foeHostile opponent
enemy · opponent · villain · tormentor · scourge · curse · bane · plague
Intense, settled disgust
- repugnanceIntense distaste or disgust
- antipathyIngrained, intense aversion
- disgustIntense physical aversion
- revulsionIntense physical disgust
abhorrence · detestation · hatred · dislike · distaste · odium · contempt · anathema
annoyance
State of being bothered
- nuisanceCause of aggravation
- bugbearPersistent cause of anxiety
- pet peevePersonal source of irritation
gripe · vexation · aggravation · frustration · irk · bother · thorn in side · sore point · grievance · complaint
adversary
Enemy in conflict
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- archenemyPrincipal antagonist
- rivalOne who competes against
foe · enemy · opponent · villain · tormentor · scourge · curse · bane · plague · thorn
loathing
Intense, settled disgust
- repugnanceIntense distaste or disgust
- antipathyIngrained, intense aversion
- disgustIntense physical aversion
revulsion · abhorrence · detestation · hatred · dislike · distaste · odium · contempt · anathema · execration
apprehension
Nervous anticipation of trouble
- forebodingFearful anticipation of harm
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- trepidationFearful uncertainty
unease · terror · nightmare · phobia · horror · panic · alarm · dismay · misgiving · qualm
bête noirefavorite
Most liked option
beloved · darling · pet · apple of one's eye · pride and joy
bête noirefavorite
Most liked option
preference · first choice · top pick · go-to · number one