Boogeyman vs. Bogeyman: What's the Difference?

A terrifying specter; a hobgoblin.

Variant of boogeyman.

An exaggerated or nonexistent threat used to intimidate others

A menacing, ghost-like monster in children's stories.

Alternative form of bogeyman

(by extension) Any make-believe threat, especially one used to intimidate or distract.

Something frightful, as a specter; anything imaginary that causes needless fright; something used to excite needless fear; also, something really dangerous, or an imaginary monster, used to frighten children, etc.

A goblin; a bugbear; a bogey{1}. This is the form used by parents to frighten children; as, if you don't eat your vegetables, the bogeyman will get you.

An imaginary monster used to frighten children

An imaginary monster used to frighten children