Definition

A mythical creature often used to frighten children, typically described as a monster or ghost that hides in the dark.

Example

Children often fear the boogeyman hiding under their beds at night.

Conversation

Did you ever hear the story about the boogeyman?

Yeah, I remember being scared of it as a kid!

It's funny how we used to think it was real.

I know, right? Now it just seems silly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'boogeyman' originates from the Middle English 'bogge' (meaning a goblin or scare) and 'man' (meaning a male human). The term refers to a mythical creature used to frighten children, often depicted as a male figure.

Memory Tip

Imagine a scary 'goblin' ('bogge') that is a 'man' — this helps you remember that a boogeyman is a frightening figure used to scare children.

Visually Confused Words