incubus

[ in-kyuh-buhs, ing- ]

noun

, plural in·cu·bi [in, -ky, uh, -bahy, ing, -], in·cu·bus·es.

1. an imaginary demon or evil spirit supposed to descend upon sleeping persons, especially one fabled to have sexual intercourse with women during their sleep. Compare succubus ( def 1 ).
2. a nightmare.
3. something that weighs upon or oppresses one like a nightmare.

incubus

/ ˈɪnkjʊbəs /

noun

1. a demon believed in folklore to lie upon sleeping persons, esp to have sexual intercourse with sleeping women Compare succubus
2. something that oppresses, worries, or disturbs greatly, esp a nightmare or obsession

Word History and Origins

Origin of incubus¹

1175–1225; Middle English < Late Latin: a nightmare induced by such a demon, noun derivative of Latin incubāre to lie upon; incubate

Word History and Origins

Origin of incubus¹

C14: from Late Latin, from incubāre to lie upon; see incubate

Example Sentences

She is betrayed in the usual manner, and finds, when too late, that she is embracing a hairy incubus which has a long tail.

From Project Gutenberg

Everything in life looked too bright since I succeeded in ridding myself of this incubus, and, then I found you.

From Project Gutenberg

Penniless and dclasse, the beautiful fugitive was an embarrassing incubus to her Roman relations.

From Project Gutenberg

Even in times when we felt no personal danger, this incubus of savage life all around weighed on our hearts.

From Project Gutenberg

The Marconi scandal was an incubus which lay heavily on the Government throughout the year.

From Project Gutenberg