night terror

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of night terror

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

"One of the main things for me is that I don't have the same degree of night terrors I had before," said Shash, who often uses a wheelchair to get around.

From BBC

Our episode didn’t capture scenes of us consoling the oldest when his night terrors returned or taking calls from school on shoot days when the youngest begged to come home.

From Los Angeles Times

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