Definition

Something that is very frightening or unpleasant, similar to a bad dream.

Example

The movie was so nightmarish that I couldn't sleep afterwards.

Conversation

I had the most nightmarish dream last night.

Oh no, what happened in it?

I was lost in a dark forest with strange creatures everywhere.

That sounds terrifying! I hate dreams like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nightmarish → It is formed from "night" (from Old English *niht*, meaning the period of darkness) and "mare" (from Old English *mære*, meaning a mythological demon or goblin that torments sleepers) combined with the suffix "-ish" (meaning having the quality of). The word "nightmarish" describes something that has the quality of a nightmare, often frightening or distressing.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'night' filled with a 'mare' that haunts your dreams — that's how you remember that 'nightmarish' refers to something that feels like a terrifying nightmare.

Visually Confused Words