night terror
noun
: a sudden awakening in dazed terror that occurs in children during slow-wave sleep, is often preceded by a sudden shrill cry uttered in sleep, and is not remembered when the child awakes
—usually used in plural
Examples of night terror in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The boys each had night terrors for months following the surgeries, but are now fully recovered.
—
Sam Gillette, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Stefani’s night terrors are so intense that all of her college schoolwork is detrimentally impacted to the point of her being possibly placed on academic probation.
—Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 13 May 2025
The film follows Mikey, whose night terrors become reality when his mother begins showing signs of demonic possession.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025
Causes of night terrors include: Genetics: Children who have a biological parent with a history of sleepwalking are more likely than others to have night terrors.
—David Metzger, Parents, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for night terror
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Sam Gillette, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Stefani’s night terrors are so intense that all of her college schoolwork is detrimentally impacted to the point of her being possibly placed on academic probation.
—Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 13 May 2025
The film follows Mikey, whose night terrors become reality when his mother begins showing signs of demonic possession.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025
Causes of night terrors include: Genetics: Children who have a biological parent with a history of sleepwalking are more likely than others to have night terrors.
—David Metzger, Parents, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for night terror
Cite this Entry
“Night terror.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/night%20terror. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
night terror
noun
night ter·ror
-ˈter-ər 
: a sudden awakening in dazed terror that occurs in children during slow-wave sleep, is often preceded by a sudden shrill cry uttered in sleep, and is not remembered when the child awakes
—usually used in plural
called also pavor nocturnus
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