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.
Social psychology experiments show that people often cope with the specter of death by attaching themselves to cultural ideologies, such as religious, political, or even sports fandom. Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024 Zoom out: Republicans have been raising the specter of a wide-ranging effort to challenge the election result if Trump loses. Andrew Solender, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024 On balance, City of Troy has a lot to get over in executing that innate command on dirt, but his obstacle is less daunting than the specters that, some close observers still maintain, haunt Fierceness. Guy Martin, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 Georgian Dream has used the specter of being dragged into the Ukraine war to controversial effect in its campaign material. David Hodari, NBC News, 26 Oct. 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 24 Nov. 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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