boeman — meaning in English

English meaning

• bogeyman noun An imaginary monster used to frighten children into good behavior.
• bugbear noun An ongoing problem; a recurring obstacle or adversity.
• ogre noun A large, ugly, monstrous creature in folklore, known for its brutish strength and appetite for humans.

Senses

boeman is used for these senses in English:

• bogeyman A menacing, ghost-like monster in children's stories.
• bugbear A source of dread; resentment; or irritation. [from late 16th c.]
• bête noire Someone or something that is unbearable and so particularly avoided or disliked; the bane of someone's existence; an object of aversion; an anathema.
• ogre (mythology) A type of brutish giant from folk tales that eats human flesh.

bogeyman — full definition

1. noun An imaginary monster used to frighten children into good behavior.
2. noun Any exaggerated threat used to frighten or manipulate people.

bugbear — full definition

1. noun An ongoing problem; a recurring obstacle or adversity.
2. noun A source of dread; resentment; or irritation.
3. noun A generic creature, often described as a large goblin, meant to inspire fear in children.

Related Dutch words