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

While Patel's nomination to the FBI has repeatedly raised the specter of retribution, what has not been very extensively discussed is what kind of consequences there are for a federal official who pursues what is a legally frivolous action against a U.S. citizen on a malicious basis. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

Ford’s comments also raise the specter of broader retaliation from Canada that somehow disrupts the flow of oil imported into the United States, although analysts say such a move looks unlikely at this point. —Matt Egan, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024

Globally, the prospect of trade tariffs under incoming U.S. President Donald Trump has raised the specter of further inflationary pressures in 2025. —Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 20 Nov. 2024

Sora and similar programs also raise the specter of disinformation campaigns. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 10 Dec. 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