D defs.my
Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913

Boogeyman

/(bo͝og"ē*măn)/ · Boog·ey·man · IPA /ˈbʊɡiˌmæn/
01 n. Something frightful, as a specter; anything imaginary that causes needless fright; something used to excite needless fear; also, something …
  1. 1.
    Something frightful, as a specter; anything imaginary that causes needless fright; something used to excite needless fear; also, something really dangerous, or an imaginary monster, used to frighten children, etc.