Definition

A type of evil spirit that is believed to visit people while they sleep, often causing nightmares or having sexual relations with them.

Example

Many cultures have stories about an incubus that visits women at night.

Conversation

Last night, I had the strangest dream about an incubus.

That sounds creepy! What happened in the dream?

It felt like this heavy presence was watching me, like an incubus from a horror movie.

Yikes! I hate dreams like that; they always leave me feeling uneasy.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Incubus → It is formed from "in-" (meaning on or upon) and "cubare" (meaning to lie down). The word refers to a male demon believed to lie upon sleeping women, causing them distress or nightmares.

Memory Tip

Think of a demon that lies 'upon' ('in-') someone while they sleep ('cubare') — that's why an incubus is associated with causing distress during sleep.

Visually Confused Words