1. mischievous or evil spirits or goblins in folklore and fairy tales
Usage: folklore; mythology
2. sources of fear, dread, or superstition that may be imaginary or exaggerated
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The children were frightened by stories of hobgoblins lurking in the dark forest.
• Medieval folklore is filled with tales of hobgoblins playing tricks on travelers.
• She dismissed her worries about technology as mere hobgoblins of the mind.
• The politician warned against the hobgoblins of economic collapse.
• His grandmother’s house was supposedly haunted by mischievous hobgoblins.
• Don’t let these hobgoblins of doubt prevent you from pursuing your dreams.
• The old castle was said to be home to hobgoblins and other supernatural creatures.