Definitions

1. noun

a ghostly or supernatural being, typically the spirit of a dead person

“The old mansion was said to be haunted by the specter of its former owner.”

2. verb

to appear or be present as a ghostly or supernatural being

“The king’s specter was said to have appeared in the dreams of his enemies.”

3. noun

a person or thing that inspires fear or anxiety

“The threat of nuclear war was a specter that hung over the world for decades.”