specter
UK: ˈspektə | US: ˈspektər
n. a ghost or phantom; a haunting apparition
n. a mental image of something unpleasant or threatening
n. a lingering trace or possibility of something (e.g., "the specter of war")
The word "specter" originates from Latin spectrum ("apparition, image"), which itself comes from specere ("to see"). The idea of a "specter" as a ghostly vision ties directly to its root meaning of "seeing" or "being seen"—emphasizing the eerie visibility of something intangible. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to represent looming threats or abstract fears ("the specter of inflation").
A dark specter appeared at the foot of the staircase.
The specter of unemployment haunted the struggling town.
She felt a specter of doubt creeping into her mind.
The old legend speaks of a specter guarding the treasure.
Scientists warn of the specter of climate change.