night terror

noun

Psychiatry.

1. a sudden feeling of extreme fear that awakens a sleeping person, usually during slow-wave sleep, and is not associated with a dream or nightmare.

Word History and Origins

Origin of night terror¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

But there’s a new twist that threatens to undermine the unflappable protagonist, and it’s a teenager’s worst nightmare — even for a girl who enjoys night terrors.

From Los Angeles Times

She also testified she suffered night terrors and paranoia as a result of the evening.

From BBC

Her night terrors are causing her to flunk out of college, and her roommate demands that she go home and get some answers so that she can get some sleep.

From Los Angeles Times

But she said he had suffered from night terrors since that day, and that she suspected they were caused by the trauma of being locked on the bus.

From BBC

One victim said he suffered from panic attacks and night terrors as a result of the gang's actions.

From BBC