specter

noun

spec·​ter ˈspek-tər How to pronounce specter (audio)
variants or spectre
1
: a visible disembodied spirit : ghost
2
: something that haunts or perturbs the mind : phantasm
the specter of hunger

Examples of specter in a Sentence

feeling so terrified that every shadow became a specter
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What once looked like a leisurely stroll to a division title now has the specter of collapse around it. Josh Kendall, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024 So in the words of every rapper faced with the ubiquitous specter of haters: Stay mad. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 18 Nov. 2024 In the third installment, Bazmee retains the tropes of the first two Hindi films: a sprawling palatial mansion in which one room has been locked for years because it’s believed that a specter resides there; a royal family hiding secrets; the mysterious dancing Manjulika. Anupama Chopra, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024 The specter of trade wars would return under the controversial ex-president, who has even proposed jacking up tariffs to fund the complete elimination of federal income tax. Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for specter 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of specter was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near specter

Cite this Entry

“Specter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specter. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

specter

noun
spec·​ter
variants or spectre
1
: ghost
2
: something that bothers the mind

More from Merriam-Webster on specter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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