Definitions

1. noun

A person or thing that inspires fear or dread; an imaginary or fictional monster or bogey.

“The government has become the boogeyman for many people, a symbol of oppressive authority.”

2. noun

A person or thing that is used as a threat, especially to children, to discourage misbehavior.

“My parents used to tell me that the boogeyman would get me if I didn’t behave.”