nightmare
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.


night·mare

noun \ˈnīt-ˌmer\

Definition of NIGHTMARE

1
: an evil spirit formerly thought to oppress people during sleep
2
: a frightening dream that usually awakens the sleeper
3
: something (as an experience, situation, or object) having the monstrous character of a nightmare or producing a feeling of anxiety or terror
nightmare adjective
night·mar·ish \-ˌmer-ish\ adjective
night·mar·ish·ly adverb

Examples of NIGHTMARE

  1. Mommy, I had a really scary nightmare.
  2. The party was a complete nightmare.

Origin of NIGHTMARE

Middle English, from 1night + 1mare
First Known Use: 14th century

night·mare

noun \ˈnīt-ˌma(ə)r, -ˌme(ə)r\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of NIGHTMARE

: a frightening or distressing dream that usually awakens the sleeper

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: night monkey
Previous Word in the Dictionary: nightman
All Words Near: nightmare

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up nightmare? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Name That Thing

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Get Our Free Apps
Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More
Join Us on FB & Twitter
Get the Word of the Day and More