Bogeyman

Pronunciation: /ˈboʊɡimæn/

Definitions of bogeyman

noun a mythical creature used by adults to frighten children into good behavior

Example Sentences

A1 Children often fear the bogeyman hiding in their closet.

A2 The story of the bogeyman is used by parents to scare children into behaving.

B1 The concept of the bogeyman is common in folklore from various cultures.

B2 Some psychologists believe that the fear of the bogeyman can stem from childhood trauma.

C1 The bogeyman is often used as a metaphor for societal fears and anxieties.

C2 In literature, the bogeyman is portrayed as a symbolic representation of evil and darkness.

Examples of bogeyman in a Sentence

formal The concept of the bogeyman has been used in literature for centuries to represent a malevolent mythical creature used to frighten children.

informal Don't worry about the bogeyman under your bed, it's just a silly story.

slang I heard Tommy's dad is the real bogeyman of the neighborhood, always scaring kids with his pranks.

figurative The fear of failure can be like a bogeyman, lurking in the shadows and holding you back from taking risks.

Grammatical Forms of bogeyman

• past tense: bogeymanned
• plural: bogeymen
• comparative: more bogeyman
• superlative: most bogeyman
• present tense: bogeyman
• future tense: will bogeyman
• perfect tense: have bogeymaned
• continuous tense: is bogeymanning
• singular: bogeyman
• positive degree: bogeyman
• infinitive: to bogeyman
• gerund: bogeymanning
• participle: bogeymanned

Origin and Evolution of bogeyman

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The term 'bogeyman' originated from the Middle English word 'bugge' which means a frightening specter or hobgoblin.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'bogeyman' has come to be used to refer to a mythical creature or monster used by adults to frighten children into good behavior.