Search Dictionary
Definition of boogeyman

boogeyman

/ˈbʊɡ.i.mæn/
(UK: bogeyman)
boo · gey · man
Plural:boogeymen
JUMP TO:

boogeyman Lexical Profile

boogeyman Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American An imaginary evil spirit or monster invoked in folklore to frighten children into good behavior.

Example

"The young boy asked his parents to check the closet to make sure the boogeyman was not hiding inside."

2

North American A person, concept, or thing that is widely feared, dreaded, or used as an exaggerated symbol of threat.

Example

"Critics argued that the campaign was using inflation as a political boogeyman to alarm voters."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for boogeyman

• Nearby Words

booby
booger
boogerman
boogeyman
boogie
boohoo
book

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 19th century as a compound of the dialectal 'bogey' (or 'bogy'), referring to the devil or a mischievous goblin, and 'man'. 'Bogey' likely derives from the Middle English 'bugge' (meaning a frightening specter or scarecrow), which is also the root of 'bugbear'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Boogeyman. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/boogeyman
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.