bugbear – a cause of obsessive fear, anxiety, or irritation

(Pronounced bug-behr)

To remember the definition of the word bugbear, use the following mnemonic:

The bug annoyed the bear (bugbear). It was a continuing source of irritation. 

Examples of bugbear in a sentence

Poor punctuality was a major bugbear for her. 

There biggest bugbear at the moment was managing their finances. 

What they thought would be an inconsequential detail was turning into a serious bugbear for them.