incubus

noun

in·​cu·​bus ˈiŋ-kyə-bəs 

ˈin-

plural incubi ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbī  -ˌbē 

ˈin-

also incubuses

1

: an evil spirit that lies on persons in their sleep

especially : one that has sexual intercourse with women while they are sleeping compare succubus

2

: nightmare sense 2

3

: one that oppresses or burdens like a nightmare

Examples of incubus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This meaning is visualized in Henry Fuseli’s 1781 painting The Nightmare, which shows a woman sleeping peacefully on a couch while a nauseating monster—an incubus—sits portentously on her abdomen, unbeknownst to her. —Time, 28 Dec. 2022

As Tommy’s experiences in the tunnels of France mark a continued incubus for his character, with visions of being pulled into the mud, the sounding of the bell coincides with his own inner peace. —Josh St. Clair, Men's Health, 13 June 2022

An incubus is the male variety (and also that band). —Angie Jones, Glamour, 17 Mar. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin, from Latin incubare

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

incubus

noun

in·​cu·​bus ˈiŋ-kyə-bəs 

ˈin-

plural incubi -ˌbī 

-ˌbē

also incubuses

1

: an evil spirit once believed to lie upon persons in their sleep

2

: nightmare sense 1

Medical Definition

incubus

noun

in·​cu·​bus ˈiŋ-kyə-bəs, ˈin- 

plural incubi -ˌbī  -ˌbē  also incubuses

1

: an evil spirit at one time thought to lie on persons in their sleep

especially : one thought to have sexual intercourse with sleeping women compare succubus

2

: nightmare