specter

noun

spec·​ter ˈspek-tər How to pronounce specter (audio)
variants or spectre
1
: a visible disembodied spirit : ghost
2
: something that haunts or perturbs the mind : phantasm
the specter of hunger

Examples of specter in a Sentence

feeling so terrified that every shadow became a specter
Recent Examples on the Web European regulators signaled Apple's rejection of Epic's effort to set up an iPhones app developer account in Europe, based in Sweden, might run afoul of the DMA, raising the specter of potentially a substantial fine. Michael Liedtke, Quartz, 8 Mar. 2024 Such restrictions not only raise the specter of more public challenges but also shrink spaces for trans people, said Nikki Smith, an outdoor adventure photographer and runner in Salt Lake City who is a transgender woman. Karin Brulliard, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024 The stakes are high, as the increased presence and closer proximity of Chinese and Taiwanese coast guard vessels raise the specter of miscalculations that could potentially spiral into open conflict. Nectar Gan, CNN, 20 Feb. 2024 Carlson’s willful and perhaps malign ignorance raises the specter of a Duranty in our times, who persists despite the many warnings that those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. John Hewko, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2024 Putin has raised the nuclear specter on several occasions since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago. Christian Edwards, CNN, 29 Feb. 2024 At a briefing on Wednesday, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo even raised the specter of Beijing remotely triggering mayhem on US highways. Aarian Marshall Will Knight, WIRED, 29 Feb. 2024 But a little more than a week into the new year, the specter of scandal reemerged. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024 Bowing to a Fan Revolt: Germany’s soccer fans protested the specter of a private equity giant taking a stake in the country’s domestic league by raining tennis balls, chocolate coins and even marbles onto fields across the country. Rory Smith, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'specter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French spectre, from Latin spectrum appearance, specter, from specere to look, look at — more at spy

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of specter was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near specter

Cite this Entry

“Specter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specter. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

specter

noun
spec·​ter
variants or spectre
1
: ghost
2
: something that bothers the mind

More from Merriam-Webster on specter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!