bete noire
One's particular dread
A bete noire is something or someone particularly disliked or dreaded—a persistent source of annoyance or fear.
The French phrase means "black beast," suggesting a dark creature that haunts you: Algebra was my bete noire in high school.
Often spelled with the accents: bête noire.
bugbear
Persistent cause of anxiety
- pet peevePersonal source of irritation
- anathemaIntensely detested thing
- abominationLoathsome, detestable thing
nemesis · nightmare · bogeyman · scourge · bane · curse · plague · torment · thorn · irritant
nemesis
Persistent source of ruin
- archenemyPrincipal antagonist
- rivalOne who competes against
- antagonistOne who opposes another
foe · opponent · tormentor · persecutor · detractor · critic · villain · threat · menace · obstacle
- French Loanwordsa la carte, ballet, a la mode, au revoir, bon appetit
- loanwordsloanword, loan words, borrowings, borrowed words, loan word
bete noirebeloved
One who is treasured
darling · favorite · pet · apple of one's eye · sweetheart
bete noirecomfort
Ease or soothing relief
solace · refuge · haven · sanctuary · safe space
bete noiremagnet
Object producing attractive field
draw · lure · attraction · calling · raison d'être