succubus

American  

[suhk-yuh-buhs] / ˈsʌk yə bəs /

noun

succubi plural

1. a demon in female form, said to have sexual intercourse with men in their sleep.

2. any demon or evil spirit.

3. Archaic. a strumpet; prostitute.

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succubus British  

/ ˈsʌkjʊbəs /

noun

1. Also called: succuba.  a female demon fabled to have sexual intercourse with sleeping men Compare incubus

2. any evil demon

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Etymology

Origin of succubus

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin, variant of Latin succuba succuba; cf. incubus

Compare meaning

How does succubus compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• succubus vs. incubus

Explanation

If a mythical creature wakes you at night and tempts you with erotic suggestions, then maybe you've encountered a succubus. Men had better sleep with one eye to avoid this legendary seductress who takes advantage of them. First used in the late 14th century, the noun succubus has origins in the Late Latin word succubare, meaning to "lie under." This is exactly what a succubus might do to men as she engages in sexual intercourse as they sleep. This female demon of the sleep first appeared in medieval folklore and has taken on many forms, ranging from beautiful enchantress to a ghastly supernatural being portrayed in literature, film, music, and video games.

Example Sentences

“Drag plays a really big part in those spaces,” said Succubus, a drag DJ and performer whose work often transcends the boundaries of gay bars.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2023

At this time the author was occupied with Bertha Repentant and the Succubus, which, however, were published only three years subsequently.

From Balzac by Lawton, Frederick

Related Words

• dream
• fantasy
• hallucination
• horror
• ordeal
• vision