'Bugaboo' definitions:

Definition of 'bugaboo'

From: WordNet
noun
An imaginary monster used to frighten children [syn: bogeyman, bugbear, bugaboo, boogeyman, booger]
noun
A source of concern; "the old bugaboo of inflation still bothers them"

Definition of 'Bugaboo'

From: GCIDE
  • Bugaboo \Bug`a*boo"\, Bugbear \Bug"bear`\, n. [See Bug.] Something frightful, as a specter; anything imaginary that causes needless fright; something used to excite needless fear; also, something really dangerous, or an imaginary monster, used to frighten children, etc. "Bugaboos to fright ye." --Lloyd. [1913 Webster]
  • But, to the world no bugbear is so great As want of figure and a small estate. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
  • The bugaboo of the liberals is the church pray. --S. B. Griffin. [1913 Webster]
  • The great bugaboo of the birds is the owl. --J. Burroughs. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. a source of concern; as, the old bugaboo of inflation still bothers them. [WordNet 1.5]
  • Syn: Hobgoblin; goblin; specter; ogre; scarecrow; bogeyman; boogeyman; booger. [1913 Webster]