hobgoblin
1. [ noun ] an object of dread or apprehension
Synonyms: bugbear
Examples:

"Germany was always a bugbear for France" "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds"--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Related terms: object
2. [ noun ] (folklore) a small grotesque supernatural creature that makes trouble for human beings
Synonyms: hob goblin
Related terms: evil_spirit folklore