incubus
[in-kyuh-buh s, ing-]
noun, plural in·cu·bi [in-kyuh-bahy, ing-] /ˈɪn kyəˌbaɪ, ˈɪŋ-/, in·cu·bus·es.
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).
a nightmare.
something that weighs upon or oppresses one like a nightmare.
Origin of incubus
1175–1225; Middle English < Late Latin: a nightmare induced by such a demon, noun derivative of Latin incubāre to lie upon; see incubate
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for incubus
Historical Examples of incubus
I now began to despise my body—I almost hated it as an incubus!
The Prodigal ReturnsLilian Staveley
Three times she strove to throw off the incubus, to speak, but in vain.
At Pinney's RanchEdward Bellamy
It relates that one night Incubus invaded a certain lady's bedroom.
The Superstitions of WitchcraftHoward Williams
But Incubus told her if she would so forsake him, he would be revenged upon her.
The Superstitions of WitchcraftHoward Williams
It has been an incubus of discouragement in all intellectual pursuits.
Aims and Aids for Girls and Young WomenGeorge Sumner Weaver
incubus
noun plural -bi (-ˌbaɪ) or -buses
Word Origin for incubus
C14: from Late Latin, from incubāre to lie upon; see incubate
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
incubus
[ĭn′kyə-bəs, ĭng′-]
n. pl. in•cu•bus•es
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.