Bugbear

bugbear, n., D&Dism 1. in general usage, an imagined danger used to incite fear; c. 1580.
Ex: After 9/11, "terrorism" has become a bugbear used by the Bush administration to get its way on very issue. 2. in Dungeons & Dragons, an orc-like monster. See owlbear, -bear. [GJ1]