Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for Fear and Ferocity Words

abhor (verb) /æbˈhɔr/
Definition: To feel strong dislike or disgust towards someone or something.
Example Sentence: "They abhor dishonesty and deceitfulness."
Synonyms: abominate; deplore; despise; detest; dislike; execrate
Opposite Meaning: adore

abnormal (adjective) /æbˈnɔr məl/
Definition: Deviating from what is considered normal, typical, or expected.
Example Sentence: "The test results revealed abnormal levels of cholesterol in his blood."
Synonyms: aberrant; anomalous; atypical; deviant; extraordinary; irregular
Opposite Meaning: normal

abomination (noun) /əˌbɒmɪˈneɪʃn/
Definition: Something that is considered to be extremely vile, wicked, or morally repugnant.
Example Sentence: "The use of child labor is widely considered an abomination."
Synonyms: abhorrence; anathema; atrocity; barbarism; horror; outrage
Opposite Meaning: delight

arachnophobia (noun) /əˌraknəˈfəʊbɪə/
Definition: A specific phobia that is characterized by an excessive and persistent fear of spiders.
Example Sentence: "He had a severe case of arachnophobia and avoided spiders at all costs."
Synonyms: anxiety; apprehension; aversion; dread; dreadfulness; fear
Opposite Meaning: love of spiders

bellicose (adjective) /ˈbɛlɪkəʊs/
Definition: Demonstrating confrontational behavior and eagerness or willingness to quarrel, fight or go to war.
Example Sentence: "Conflict looked likely as bellicose statements intensified between the two nations."
Synonyms: adversarial; aggressive; antagonistic; argumentative; belligerent; combative
Opposite Meaning: peaceful

belligerent (adjective) /bɪˈlɪdʒ(ə)rənt/
Definition: Aggressive, confrontational, and quick to to argue or fight.
Example Sentence: "He is a beligerant young man who often gets into scuffles in bars."
Synonyms: aggressive; antagonistic; bellicose; combative; confrontational; contentious
Opposite Meaning: peaceful

besiege (verb) /bɪˈsiʤ/
Definition: To surround and blockade a place, typically a city or fortress, with the intent of forcing those inside to surrender.
Example Sentence: "The army began to besiege the city, cutting off all supply lines."
Synonyms: assail; attack; barricade; beleaguer; confine; encircle
Opposite Meaning: liberate

carnage (noun) /ˈkɑːnɪdʒ/
Definition: The killing of a large number of people or animals, often in a brutal and violent manner.
Example Sentence: "The terrorist attack resulted in widespread carnage."
Synonyms: bloodbath; death; devastation; extermination; massacre; murder
Opposite Meaning: peace

chasm (noun) /ˈkæz əm/
Definition: A deep and steep-sided gap or abyss, typically formed by the separation of land or rock.
Example Sentence: "There was an unbridgeable chasm between their political ideologies."
Synonyms: abyss; cavity; crevice; fissure; gap; gorge
Opposite Meaning: connection

chilling (adjective) /ˈtʃɪl ɪŋ/
Definition: Evoking a feeling of coldness or a sense of unease, often sending shivers down one's spine.
Example Sentence: "The horror movie had a chilling ending that left the audience speechless."
Synonyms: cold; creepy; disturbing; eerie; haunting; macabre
Opposite Meaning: comforting

collusion (noun) /kəˈl(j)uːʒ(ə)n/
Definition: A secret or illegal cooperation between two or more parties, typically to deceive or cheat someone or to gain an illegal or unethical advantage.
Example Sentence: "He was accused of collusion with the enemy during the war."
Synonyms: chicanery; collaboration; complicity; connivance; conspiracy; cooperation
Opposite Meaning: honesty

combatants (noun) /ˈkɒmbət(ə)nt/
Definition: Individuals or groups who are actively engaged in warfare or armed conflict.
Example Sentence: "The combatants were subject to strict rules of engagement."
Synonyms: antagonist; belligerent; contender; fighter; gladiator; soldier
Opposite Meaning: civilians

contraband (noun) /ˈkɒntrəband/
Definition: Goods or items that are prohibited by law from being imported, exported, sold, or possessed.
Example Sentence: "The customs officials discovered a large amount of contraband in the shipment."
Synonyms: banned; bootleg; embargoed; forbidden; illegal; illicit
Opposite Meaning: legal goods

depraved (adjective) /dɪˈpreɪvd/
Definition: Extreme moral corruption or wickedness.
Example Sentence: "The novel painted a picture of a dark and depraved world, full of vice and corruption."
Synonyms: corrupt; degenerate; evil; immoral; monstrous; perverted
Opposite Meaning: virtuous

desecrate (verb) /ˈdɛsɪkreɪt/
Definition: To violate the sanctity, holiness, or sacredness of something, often by defiling, damaging, or treating it with irreverence.
Example Sentence: "The vandals were caught trying to desecrate the public statue with graffiti."
Synonyms: damage; debase; deface; defile; degrade; destroy
Opposite Meaning: sanctify

despoil (verb) /dɪˈspɔɪl/
Definition: To plunder, loot, or forcibly take away valuable possessions, resources, or assets from a person, place, or entity.
Example Sentence: "The invaders seek to despoil the ancient temple of its treasures."
Synonyms: deprive; dispossess; loot; maraud; raid; ransack
Opposite Meaning: protect

despotic (adjective) /dɪˈspɒt ɪk/
Definition: Characterized by the exercise of absolute power, often with a tyrannical or oppressive nature.
Example Sentence: "The despotic regime imprisoned political dissidents without trial."
Synonyms: absolute; arbitrary; authoritarian; autocratic; dictatorial; domineering
Opposite Meaning: democratic

dictatorship (noun) /dɪkˈteɪ tərˌʃɪp/
Definition: A form of government or political system in which absolute power is concentrated in the hands of a single individual or a small group of individuals known as dictators.
Example Sentence: "The citizens lived in fear under the oppressive dictatorship."
Synonyms: absolutism; autarchy; authoritarianism; autocracy; despotism; monocracy
Opposite Meaning: democracy

disfigure (verb) /dɪsˈfɪg yər/
Definition: To cause severe damage, deformity, or alteration to the appearance of someone or something, typically resulting in a noticeable and often permanent change.
Example Sentence: "They worried the new extension would disfigure the aesthetic of the old building."
Synonyms: blemish; damage; deface; deform; distort; impair
Opposite Meaning: beautify

drown (verb) /draʊn/
Definition: To die by suffocating underwater or in another liquid.
Example Sentence: "He tried to drown the noise with his earphones."
Synonyms: asphyxiate; engulf; expire; gulp; immerse; inundate
Opposite Meaning: rescue

dubious (adjective) /ˈdjuːbɪəs/
Definition: Uncertain or questionable in nature, often giving rise to suspicion, doubt, or hesitation.
Example Sentence: "The accuracy of the information provided was met with dubious skepticism."
Synonyms: ambiguous; distrustful; doubtful; equivocal; hesitant; iffy
Opposite Meaning: certain

embezzle (verb) /ɪmˈbɛzl/
Definition: To misappropriate or steal money or assets that have been entrusted to one's care.
Example Sentence: "The accountant was caught trying to embezzle company funds."
Synonyms: commandeer; misapply; misappropriate; peculate; pilfer; pocket
Opposite Meaning: return

eviscerate (verb) /ɪˈvɪsəreɪt/
Definition: To remove the internal organs or essential parts of something or someone, often in a violent or destructive manner.
Example Sentence: "The chef will eviscerate the fish before he cooks it."
Synonyms: clean; demolish; despoil; disembowel; empty; extract
Opposite Meaning: strengthen

extinct (adjective) /ɪkˈstɪŋ(k)t/
Definition: No longer existing or having died out.
Example Sentence: "The dodo bird is one of the most famous extinct species."
Synonyms: dead; deceased; defunct; departed; expired; exterminated
Opposite Meaning: existing

extirpate (verb) /ˈfræntɪk/
Definition: To completely remove or eradicate something, often a plant or animal species, a disease, or a social problem.
Example Sentence: "The surgeon needed to extirpate the tumor to prevent it from spreading."
Synonyms: annihilate; destroy; eliminate; erase; excise; expunge
Opposite Meaning: introduce

extremist (noun) /ɪkˈstriːmɪst/
Definition: A person who holds extreme political, religious, or social views, and is willing to take drastic or violent action to promote these views.
Example Sentence: "The extremist's message was rejected by the peaceful majority."
Synonyms: activist; bigot; devotee; enthusiast; fanatic; militant
Opposite Meaning: moderate

ferocious (adjective) /fɪˈrəʊʃəs/
Definition: Marked by extreme and often intense aggressiveness, violence, or wildness.
Example Sentence: "The ferocious dog barked aggressively at anyone who approached its territory."
Synonyms: brutish; frightful; merciless; predatory; rapacious; ruthless
Opposite Meaning: gentle

flee (verb) /fli/
Definition: To escape or run away from a dangerous or threatening situation.
Example Sentence: "The villagers had to flee their homes when the floodwaters rose rapidly."
Synonyms: abscond; bolt; dash; desert; elude; escape
Opposite Meaning: confront

foe (noun) /foʊ/
Definition: An individual or entity that is considered an opponent, adversary, or enemy.
Example Sentence: "The superhero's arch-nemesis was a formidable foe with evil intentions."
Synonyms: adversary; antagonist; challenger; combatant; competitor; contender
Opposite Meaning: friend

formidable (adjective) /ˈfɔːmɪdəbl/
Definition: Inspiring fear, awe, or admiration due to someone or something's impressive or imposing qualities.
Example Sentence: "The mountain range presented a formidable challenge for the hikers."
Synonyms: challenging; daunting; difficult; fearsome; Herculean; imposing
Opposite Meaning: weak

fraudulent (adjective) /ˈfrɔːdjʊlənt/
Definition: Intentionally deceptive or deceitful, with the intention of gaining an unfair or illegal advantage.
Example Sentence: "The fake degree was detected as fraudulent and the student was expelled."
Synonyms: bogus; counterfeit; dishonest; fake; forged; phony
Opposite Meaning: honest

fugitive (noun) /ˈfjuːdʒɪtɪv/
Definition: A person who is running away or hiding from the law, typically from arrest or prosecution.
Example Sentence: "He was a fugitive hiding from the authorities."
Synonyms: criminal; deportee; deserter; escapee; evacuee; exile
Opposite Meaning: resident

furious (adjective) /ˈfyʊər i əs/
Definition: Extreme anger, rage, or intense emotional agitation.
Example Sentence: "He was furious when he found out that his idea had been stolen by a colleague."
Synonyms: angry; enraged; fuming; incandescent; incensed; indignant
Opposite Meaning: calm

gallows (noun) /ˈɡaləʊz/
Definition: A wooden structure used for the execution of criminals by hanging.
Example Sentence: "The gallows were set up in the town square as a warning to others."
Synonyms: crossbeam; execution; frame; gibbet; halters; hanging
Opposite Meaning: freedom

gangster (noun) /ˈgæŋ stər/
Definition: An individual, typically associated with organized crime, who engages in illicit and often violent activities for personal gain or as a member of a criminal organization.
Example Sentence: "The police launched a massive operation to bring down the notorious gangster."
Synonyms: criminal; crook; goon; henchman; hoodlum; mafioso
Opposite Meaning: law-abider

ghastly (adjective) /ˈgæst li/
Definition: Extremely shocking, horrifying, or disturbing in appearance, nature, or effect.
Example Sentence: "She had a ghastly dream that left her trembling with fear."
Synonyms: chilling; dreadful; eerie; frightful; gruesome; horrific
Opposite Meaning: pleasant

ghostly (adjective) /ˈgoʊst li/
Definition: Pertains to or resembling a ghost.
Example Sentence: "The moon cast a ghostly glow over the deserted graveyard."
Synonyms: eerie; ethereal; haunting; otherworldly; phantasmal; phantom
Opposite Meaning: tangible

heist (noun) /hʌɪst/
Definition: A planned and executed theft of a large amount of money or valuable items, usually involving the use of force or deception.
Example Sentence: "The bank robbers pulled off a daring heist."
Synonyms: burglary; embezzlement; grab; holdup; looting; plundering
Opposite Meaning: restitution

holocaust (noun) /ˈhɒl əˌkɔst/
Definition: The systematic persecution and genocide carried out by Nazi Germany during World War II.
Example Sentence: "The Holocaust memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the millions of lives lost."
Synonyms: annihilation; atrocity; carnage; catastrophe; destruction; devastation
Opposite Meaning: peace

homicide (noun) /ˈhɒmɪsʌɪd/
Definition: The act of killing another person, whether it is intentional, accidental, or justified.
Example Sentence: "The authorities are treating the death as a possible homicide."
Synonyms: assassination; bloodshed; butchery; carnage; death; manslaughter
Opposite Meaning: saving

hoodlum (noun) /ˈhud ləm/
Definition: An individual, typically a young person, who engages in criminal or antisocial activities.
Example Sentence: "The gang of hoodlums terrorized the peaceful park, causing distress to the visitors."
Synonyms: criminal; delinquent; desperado; gangster; hooligan; miscreant
Opposite Meaning: law-abider

impact (noun) /ˈɪm pækt/
Definition: The powerful or significant effect that an event, action, or object has on something or someone.
Example Sentence: "The car accident had a devastating impact on the lives of those involved."
Synonyms: aftermath; consequence; effect; impression; influence; mark
Opposite Meaning: insignificance

incendiary (adjective) /ɪnˈsɛndɪəri/
Definition: Intending to cause or stir up conflict, especially in a political or social context.
Example Sentence: "His incendiary remarks at the meeting caused tension among the participants."
Synonyms: agitating; agitational; antagonistic; disruptive; dissentious; inflammatory
Opposite Meaning: pacifying

incite (verb) /ɪnˈsʌɪt/
Definition: To encourage or instigate someone to do something, especially something that is harmful or illegal.
Example Sentence: "His reckless words could easily incite panic in the crowd."
Synonyms: foment; goad; inflame; motivate; promote; prompt
Opposite Meaning: discourage

insidious (adjective) /ɪnˈsɪdɪəs/
Definition: Harmful or dangerous in a subtle or gradual way, rather than being obvious or immediate.
Example Sentence: "The insidious corruption within the organization was eventually exposed."
Synonyms: crafty; cunning; deceitful; deceptive; devious; dishonest
Opposite Meaning: overt

insurrectionist (noun) /ˌɪnsᵊrˈɛkʃᵊnɪst/
Definition: An individual who actively participates in or supports an insurrection, which refers to a violent uprising or rebellion against established authority or government.
Example Sentence: "The insurrectionist brandished a weapon as they stormed the government building."
Synonyms: agitator; anarchist; dissenter; insurgent; maverick; mutineer
Opposite Meaning: loyalist

intimidate (verb) /ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪt/
Definition: To frighten or make someone feel uneasy or threatened, typically in order to make them do something or not do something.
Example Sentence: "The bully tried to intimidate the new student with his aggressive behavior."
Synonyms: browbeat; bully; dispirit; domineer; hound; menace
Opposite Meaning: reassure

invade (verb) /ɪnˈveɪd/
Definition: To forcefully enter or encroach upon a territory, space, or domain that is typically controlled or occupied by others.
Example Sentence: "Ants invade my kitchen every summer."
Synonyms: assail; breach; encroach; infiltrate; overrun; penetrate
Opposite Meaning: vacate

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malevolent (adjective) /məˈlɛv ə lənt/
Definition: Having or showing a desire to cause harm or evil to others.
Example Sentence: "Her words were laced with malevolent intent."
Synonyms: baleful; cruel; hateful; hostile; maleficent; malicious
Opposite Meaning: benevolent

manslaughter (noun) /ˈmænˈslɔːtə/
Definition: The unlawful killing of another person, usually as a result of recklessness, negligence, or criminal behavior.
Example Sentence: "The defendant was charged with manslaughter after causing a fatal car accident."
Synonyms: accidental; criminal; culpable; death; homicide; involuntary
Opposite Meaning: nurturing

marauding (adjective) /məˈrɔːdɪŋ/
Definition: Moving through an area in a violent and destructive manner, typically with the intent to loot, pillage, or cause harm.
Example Sentence: "The marauding gangs of thieves were active at night."
Synonyms: depredation; despoliation; looting; pillaging; plundering; raiding
Opposite Meaning: protecting

mutilate (verb) /ˈmjuːtɪleɪt/
Definition: To cause serious damage, injury, or disfigurement to something or someone.
Example Sentence: "It's distressing to see people mutilate nature for short-term gains."
Synonyms: butcher; cripple; disable; dismember; hack; incapacitate
Opposite Meaning: restore

nefarious (adjective) /nɪˈfɛːrɪəs/
Definition: Extremely wicked, morally reprehensible and characterized by deliberate, malevolent intent.
Example Sentence: "The nefarious plan was foiled by the authorities before it could be executed."
Synonyms: corrupt; degenerate; depraved; heinous; malevolent; malicious
Opposite Meaning: virtuous

obliterate (verb) /əˈblɪtəreɪt/
Definition: To completely destroy or eliminate something, leaving no trace of it.
Example Sentence: "They hope to obliterate the stigma associated with mental health issues."
Synonyms: annihilate; demolish; desolate; devastate; eradicate; erase
Opposite Meaning: create

obscene (adjective) /əbˈsiːn/
Definition: Offensive, indecent, or morally repugnant, typically related to explicit sexual content, graphic language, or shocking impropriety.
Example Sentence: "The graffiti on the wall was filled with obscene language and imagery."
Synonyms: coarse; crude; disgusting; gross; improper; impure
Opposite Meaning: decent

perverse (adjective) /pərˈvɜrs/
Definition: Deliberately contrary to what is expected or desired, often for the sake of causing trouble or upsetting others.
Example Sentence: "The perverse pleasure he took in others' misfortunes was unsettling to those around him."
Synonyms: aberrant; deviant; oblique; recalcitrant; refractory; stubborn
Opposite Meaning: compliant

psychosis (noun) /saɪˈkoʊ sɪs /
Definition: A severe mental disorder characterized by a loss of contact with reality.
Example Sentence: "He was diagnosed with psychosis after experiencing auditory hallucinations."
Synonyms: aberration; craziness; delusion; dementia; derangement; disturbance
Opposite Meaning: sanity

pyromania (noun) /ˌpaɪ rəˈmeɪ ni ə/
Definition: A psychological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable and persistent urge to set fires.
Example Sentence: "The police suspect pyromania as the cause of the recent string of suspicious fires."
Synonyms: arson; blaze; burning; combustion; conflagration; firebug
Opposite Meaning: self-control

racketeer (noun) /rakɪˈtɪə/
Definition: A person who is involved in illegal or unethical business practices, often as a member of a criminal enterprise.
Example Sentence: "The racketeer was arrested and charged with multiple counts of organized crime."
Synonyms: blackmailer; bootlegger; criminal; extortionist; fraudster; gangster
Opposite Meaning: law-abider

redoubt (noun) /rɪˈdaʊt/
Definition: A defensive fortification or stronghold that is used to protect against enemy attack.
Example Sentence: "The redoubt provided a safe haven for the wounded soldiers."
Synonyms: bastion; blockhouse; bunker; castle; citadel; fortress
Opposite Meaning: open field

regicide (noun) /ˈrɛdʒɪsʌɪd/
Definition: The act of killing or the murder of a reigning monarch or sovereign, often with political or revolutionary motives.
Example Sentence: "The regicide was committed by a group of radical revolutionaries."
Synonyms: assassination; bloodshed; death; execution; homicide; killing
Opposite Meaning: protection

reprobate (noun) /ˈrɛprəbeɪt/
Definition: A person who is morally corrupt, wicked, and beyond redemption.
Example Sentence: "The reprobate's mind was consumed with thoughts of deception and betrayal."
Synonyms: degenerate; delinquent; dissolute; evildoer; libertine; malefactor
Opposite Meaning: virtuous

retaliate (verb) /rɪˈtæl iˌeɪt/
Definition: To respond to an action or event, usually negative, with a similar action or event, often in a vengeful or aggressive manner.
Example Sentence: "He threatens to retaliate if they continue to provoke him."
Synonyms: avenge; counterattack; payback; reciprocate; retort; retribute
Opposite Meaning: forgive

seismic (adjective) /ˈsʌɪzmɪk/
Definition: Relating to earthquakes and the vibration and waves that are produced by them.
Example Sentence: "The earthquake caused a seismic shift in the region's landscape."
Synonyms: cataclysmic; convulsive; earthshaking; earthshattering; geological; groundbreaking
Opposite Meaning: stable

siege (noun) /sidʒ/
Definition: A military tactic in which an army surrounds a city or fortress, cutting off all outside access to supplies, communication, and reinforcements.
Example Sentence: "The city was under siege for six months before finally surrendering to the enemy."
Synonyms: assault; beleaguering; besiegement; blockade; confinement; containment
Opposite Meaning: liberation

sinister (adjective) /ˈsɪn ə stər/
Definition: Having an eerie, threatening, or evil quality, often associated with a sense of foreboding or darkness.
Example Sentence: "The sinister tone of his voice made me suspect that he was up to no good."
Synonyms: baleful; cursed; dark; eerie; foreboding; malevolent
Opposite Meaning: benign

spectre (noun) /ˈspɛktə/
Definition: An intangible, unsettling, and often menacing presence or possibility that casts a shadow over a situation.
Example Sentence: "The spectre of nuclear war loomed over the region."
Synonyms: ghost; phantom; apparition; wraith; spook; spirit
Opposite Meaning: reality

threatening (adjective) /ˈθrɛt n ɪŋ/
Definition: Causing a sense of danger, harm, or intimidation.
Example Sentence: "The looming deadline and lack of progress on the project were threatening the team's success."
Synonyms: aggressive; alarming; dangerous; foreboding; hostile; intimidating
Opposite Meaning: welcoming

thug (noun) /θʌg/
Definition: An individual who engages in violent and criminal behavior, often as a member of an organized gang or criminal network.
Example Sentence: "The shopkeeper was attacked by a thug demanding money from the cash register."
Synonyms: brute; bully; criminal; enforcer; gangster; goon
Opposite Meaning: law-abider

treacherous (adjective) /ˈtrɛtʃ(ə)rəs/
Definition: Untrustworthy, deceitful, and likely to betray trust or confidence.
Example Sentence: "The treacherous behavior of the politician was a violation of the public's trust."
Synonyms: deceitful; disloyal; faithless; perfidious; traitorous; unfaithful
Opposite Meaning: trustworthy

trounce (verb) /traʊns/
Definition: To defeat decisively or to beat someone or something by a wide margin in a competition, contest, or conflict.
Example Sentence: "The team is prepared to trounce their long-time rivals in the final."
Synonyms: annihilate; beat; crush; overcome; overpower; overwhelm
Opposite Meaning: lose

tumultuous (adjective) /tjʊˈmʌltjʊəs/
Definition: Characterized by chaos, disorder, or upheaval, often involving noisy and violent commotion.
Example Sentence: "The tumultuous sound of the explosion echoed across the city."
Synonyms: clamorous; disorderly; hectic; obstreperous; raging; raucous
Opposite Meaning: peaceful

unsuspecting (adjective) /ˌʌnsəˈspɛktɪŋ/
Definition: Lacking awareness or suspicion of potential danger, deception, or hidden motives.
Example Sentence: "The unsuspecting driver hit a patch of black ice and skidded off the road."
Synonyms: credulous; gullible; innocent; naive; open; trustful
Opposite Meaning: wary

vendetta (noun) /vɛnˈdɛtə/
Definition: A prolonged and bitter feud or rivalry, typically between two families or groups of people, marked by a desire for revenge and retaliation.
Example Sentence: "The vendetta between the two families had lasted for generations."
Synonyms: animosity; antagonism; conflict; enmity; feud; grudge
Opposite Meaning: reconciliation

vicious (adjective) /ˈvɪʃəs/
Definition: Marked by extreme cruelty, brutality, or a propensity for causing harm.
Example Sentence: "The vicious dog barked and snarled at anyone who came near."
Synonyms: barbarous; brutal; dangerous; diabolical; ferocious; heinous
Opposite Meaning: kind

virulent (adjective) /ˈvɪrʊl(ə)nt/
Definition: Extremely potent, harmful, or infectious, particularly in the context of diseases, toxins, or hostile ideologies.
Example Sentence: "The virulent strain of the virus spread rapidly and caused widespread panic."
Synonyms: cruel; destructive; hateful; malicious; malignant; nasty
Opposite Meaning: harmless

wraith (noun) /reɪθ/
Definition: A ghostly or spectral apparition, often depicted as a shadowy figure or an ethereal presence.
Example Sentence: "Legends spoke of a vengeful wraith that haunted the old graveyard at midnight."
Synonyms: apparition; bogeyman; ghost; haunt; phantasm; phantom
Opposite Meaning: reality