raise the spectre
Summon fearful possibility
To raise the spectre of something is to bring up the threatening possibility of it, usually something feared or unwanted: The economic downturn raised the spectre of mass unemployment.
The image is of summoning a ghost—making a feared outcome feel present and real.
British spelling; American English uses specter.
- conjureSummon by supernatural means
- evokeBring forth mentally
- shadowLight blocked by object
- cast a shadowIntercept light, create silhouette
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
creeping dread · phantom · minatory · haunt · chimera · fear · foreboding · resurrect · dark past · old wounds · chill · portend · ill omen · menace · reawaken · peril · forewarning · summon
evoking vs. dismissing fears/concerns
raise the spectreput to rest
Settle conclusively, end debate
lay to rest · brush aside · wave away · downplay · minimize
raise, raised, raising, raiser, raises, spectre, specter, spectral, spectrum