specter
Translation
spectre, ghost, phantom, menace
Examples
He saw a specter in the old house.
He saw a spectre in the old house.
The specter of war loomed over the country.
The spectre of war loomed over the country.
Grammar Patterns
((a/the)) specter a ghost or phantom He saw a specter in the old house.
((the)) specter ((of sth.)) a threatening or haunting possibility The specter of war loomed over the country.
Similar Words
Synonyms: ghost, phantom, apparition; Antonyms: reality, substance
Etymology
From Latin 'specere' (to look), meaning 'an appearance' or 'apparition'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'spectacles' (glasses) which help you 'see'. A specter is something you think you see.