bête noire

bête noire

noun

Definition of BÊTE NOIRE

1

something or someone that causes fear or dread especially without reason <doing my own tax return is the bête noire that haunts me every April>

Synonyms bête noire, black beast, bugaboo, bugbear, dread, hobgoblin, ogre

Related Words apparition, ghost, phantasm (also fantasm), phantom, poltergeist, shade, specter (or spectre), spirit, spook, wraith; banshee, bogeyman (also bogyman), demon (or daemon), devil, fiend, ghoul, imp, incubus; fright, horrible, horror, monster, monstrosity, terror; bane, curse, enemy, plague, scourge, torment; abomination, anathema

2

something or someone that is hated <in that organization's view, society's number one bête noire should be the drunk driver of a motor vehicle>

Synonyms abhorrence, abomination, anathema, antipathy, aversion, bête noire, detestation, execration

Related Words dread, hang-up, horror, phobia; bogey (also bogie or bogy), bugaboo, bugbear; adversary, enemy; annoyance, grievance, hassle, nuisance, peeve

Near Antonyms beloved, darling, dear, honey, sweetheart; delight, enjoyment, felicity, joy, pleasure; favorite, like, preference; treasure

Antonyms love