specter

noun

spec·​ter ˈspek-tər 

variants or spectre

1

: a visible disembodied spirit : ghost

2

: something that haunts or perturbs the mind : phantasm

the specter of hunger

Synonyms

• apparition
• bogey
• bogie
• bogy
• familiar spirit
• ghost
• hant [dialect]
• haunt [chiefly dialect]
• materialization
• phantasm
• fantasm
• phantom
• poltergeist
• shade
• shadow
• spirit
• spook
• sprite
• vision
• visitant
• wraith

Examples of specter in a Sentence

feeling so terrified that every shadow became a specter

Recent Examples on the Web

The hostilities in July raised the specter of a regional conflagration, prompting intense diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. —Mohammed Tawfeeq, CNN, 10 Sep. 2024

On the other hand, there was the specter of nuclear destruction if the U.S.-Soviet confrontation spun out of control. —Max Boot, Foreign Affairs, 6 Sep. 2024

Now that the specter of COVID has lifted, Paris should herald a grand return — reestablishing the Olympics as the preeminent athletic showcase against the backdrop of the world’s most romantic city. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 25 July 2024

Two people sitting behind him at the rally were also shot, according to a person familiar with the matter, bringing the specter of violence into not just a presidential campaign, but a down ballot campaign as well. —Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

French spectre, from Latin spectrum appearance, specter, from specere to look, look at — more at spy

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing specter

• raised the specter of
• the specter of (something)

Kids Definition

specter

noun

spec·​ter

variants or spectre

ˈspek-tər 

1

: ghost

2

: something that bothers the mind