specter

[ spek-ter ]

noun

1. a visible incorporeal spirit, especially one of a terrifying nature; ghost; phantom; apparition.

   Synonyms: shade

2. some object or source of terror or dread:

   the specter of disease or famine.

Word History and Origins

Origin of specter¹

First recorded 1595–1605; from Latin spectrum “appearance, form”; spectrum

Synonym Study

See ghost.

Example Sentences

Determined not to be blindsided a second time, I steeled myself for the return of this relentless specter in 2024.

From Salon

The French Senegalese filmmaker returns with a rich and absorbing exploration of the specter of colonialism that continues the enthralling, otherworldly quality of her 2019 breakthrough film, “Atlantics.”

From Los Angeles Times

Days away from one of the most defining elections in its history, the nation faces the growing specter of political violence.

From Los Angeles Times

But Israeli evacuation orders keep expanding to new areas every few days, raising the specter of almost a third of the country being under occupation.

From Los Angeles Times

Spooky Meter: 4/5 The ballroom on the second floor is reportedly the most active spot, thanks to the specter of a woman who is reputed to show up in photos.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• demon
• shadow