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English Lexicon

Specter

/ˈspɛk.tər/
nounCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #6500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A ghost or phantom, especially one regarded as a terrifying apparition.

    "Rumors of the old mansion being haunted by the specter of a Victorian sailor frightened the local children."
  2. 2

    Something widely feared as a possible unpleasant or dangerous occurrence.

    "The specter of economic collapse loomed heavily over the negotiations."
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Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum

Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Latin spectrum meaning appearance, apparition, or ghost, entering English via the French spectre in the 16th century. Over time, its semantic scope expanded from literal ghostly apparitions to figurative representations of haunting fears or looming threats.

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