noun
bogeyman
BOH-gih-man
Bogeyman (noun) means an imaginary monster used to frighten children into good behavior. Example: “Parents warned that the bogeyman would come if they didn't go to sleep.”
noun
1
An imaginary monster used to frighten children into good behavior.
"Parents warned that the bogeyman would come if they didn't go to sleep."
2
Any exaggerated threat used to frighten or manipulate people.
"Politicians often invoke a foreign bogeyman to rally support."
How to use bogeyman
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA scary made-up figure used to frighten children, or more broadly, an exaggerated threat used to scare people.
Common pairings
scary bogeyman
political bogeyman
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Word forms
- Plural
- bogeymen
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Parents warned that the _____ would come if they didn't go to sleep.
Etymology
From bogey plus the suffix -man.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for bogeyman
See all rhymes for bogeyman →Frequently asked questions
What does “bogeyman” mean?
The word “bogeyman” means an imaginary monster used to frighten children into good behavior. In plain terms, a scary made-up figure used to frighten children, or more broadly, an exaggerated threat used to scare people.
How do you pronounce “bogeyman”?
“Bogeyman” is pronounced BOH-gih-man (/ˈboʊ.ɡiˌmæn/ in IPA).
How do you use “bogeyman” in a sentence?
Here is “bogeyman” used in a sentence: “Parents warned that the bogeyman would come if they didn't go to sleep.”
What part of speech is “bogeyman”?
“Bogeyman” is a noun.
How many meanings does “bogeyman” have?
“Bogeyman” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an imaginary monster used to frighten children into good behavior.
