Definitions for bogeymanˈbʊg iˌmæn, ˈboʊ gi-, ˈbu-
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Random House Webster's College Dictionary
bo•gey•manˈbʊg iˌmæn, ˈboʊ gi-, ˈbu-(n.)(pl.)-men.
also boogeyman
an imaginary evil character of supernatural powers, esp. a mythical hobgoblin supposed to carry off naughty children.
Category: Common Vocabulary
Origin of bogeyman:
1885–90
Princeton's WordNet
bogeyman, bugbear, bugaboo, boogeyman, booger(noun)
an imaginary monster used to frighten children
Wiktionary
bogeyman(Noun)
A menacing, ghost-like monster in children's stories.
bogeyman(Noun)
Any make-believe threat, especially one used to intimidate or distract.
The alleged link between Saddam Hussein and al-Qaeda turned out to be a bogeyman.
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"bogeyman." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2013. Web. 20 May 2013. <http://www.definitions.net/definition/bogeyman>.