bogyism
/ˈboʊɡiˌɪzəm/
noun
- The belief in or practice of using imaginary fears or frightening figures to control behavior.
- The old folk tales were full of bogyism, warning children about creatures that punished disobedience.
- The teacher's bogyism involved telling students that a monster would take their homework if they didn't finish it.
- Some parents rely on bogyism to get their children to behave, but experts say it can cause anxiety.
Synonyms