bugaboos
Exaggerated fear objects
Bugaboos are things that cause fear, worry, or annoyance—especially exaggerated or irrational ones.
The word suggests the fear may be unfounded or overblown: Rising interest rates are the bugaboos of homebuyers.
A bugaboo can also be a persistent source of irritation: Grammar bugaboos like "who" versus "whom" trip up even careful writers.
Irrational intense fears
- anxietiesPersistent mental unease
- dreadsAnticipates with anxiety
- terrorsIntense fears or dreads
- nightmaresTerrifying sleep experiences
apprehensions · bogeymen · specters · hobgoblins · monsters · demons · ghosts · spooks
Things causing vexation
- nuisancesSources of petty irritation
- pet peevesPersonal sources of irritation
- gripesVoiced minor dissatisfactions
- bothersCauses irritation or disturbance
vexations · headaches · aggravations · peeves · hassles · frustrations · hindrances · hang-ups
phobias
Irrational intense fears
nightmares · apprehensions · bogeymen · specters · hobgoblins · monsters · demons · ghosts · spooks · creeps
irritants
Things causing vexation
- nuisancesSources of petty irritation
- pet peevesPersonal sources of irritation
- gripesVoiced minor dissatisfactions
bothers · vexations · headaches · aggravations · peeves · hassles · frustrations · hindrances · hang-ups · sore points
omens
Prophetic signs or warnings
evil eye · bad luck · taboos · black cats · portents · signs · warnings · old wives tales · charms · amulets
bugabooscomforts
Eases distress; pleasures
reassurances · securities · safe havens · solaces · consolations