spectre

a ghost or a frightening figure that appears to be real but is not really there; an imaginary threat

fantasma, espectro, presencia sobrenatural

• the spectre of something

Collocations spectre of death · spectre of unemployment

• The spectre of war loomed over the negotiations.

  La amenaza de la guerra se cernía sobre las negociaciones.

a warning or a sign that something bad might happen in the future; an indication of danger

advertencia, aviso, indicio de peligro

• the spectre of something

Collocations spectre of inflation · spectre of disaster

• The spectre of economic collapse is a constant concern.

  La posibilidad de una colapso económico es una preocupación constante.