specter

noun
spec*ter \ ˈspek-tər \
1605{ds||1||}
  • a visible disembodied spirit : ghost
  • something that haunts or perturbs the mind : phantasm

the specter of (something)

idiom
the specter of (something) \
  • a notion or fear of something bad that might happen in the future
Powered by Merriam-Webster