spectre
Translation
specter, ghost, phantom, looming threat
Examples
The spectre of war loomed over the country.
The specter of war loomed over the country.
He saw a ghostly spectre in the old castle.
He saw a ghostly specter in the old castle.
Grammar Patterns
((the specter of sth.)) a feeling of fear about a possible unpleasant event The specter of unemployment is rising.
((a specter)) a ghost He claimed to have seen a specter.
Similar Words
Synonyms: ghost, phantom, apparition, threat; Antonyms: reality, substance
Etymology
From Latin 'spectrum' (appearance, apparition), from 'specere' (to look at). The root 'spec-' means 'to see' or 'to look'.
Memory Tips
A 'specter' is something you think you 'spec't (see), but it isn't really there, like a ghost or a looming fear. Note the American spelling 'specter'.