incubus

[ in-kyuh-buh s, ing- ]
/ ˈɪn kyə bəs, ˈɪŋ- /

noun, plural in·cu·bi [in-kyuh-bahy, ing-] /ˈɪn kyəˌbaɪ, ˈɪŋ-/, in·cu·bus·es.

an imaginary demon or evil spirit supposed to descend upon sleeping persons, especially one fabled to have sexual intercourse with women during their sleep. Compare succubus(def 1).
a nightmare.
something that weighs upon or oppresses one like a nightmare.

Origin of incubus

1175–1225; Middle English < Late Latin: a nightmare induced by such a demon, noun derivative of Latin incubāre to lie upon; see incubate

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH incubus

incubus succubus

Example sentences from the Web for incubus

British Dictionary definitions for incubus

incubus
/ (ˈɪnkjʊbəs) /

noun plural -bi (-ˌbaɪ) or -buses

a demon believed in folklore to lie upon sleeping persons, esp to have sexual intercourse with sleeping women Compare succubus
something that oppresses, worries, or disturbs greatly, esp a nightmare or obsession

Word Origin for incubus

C14: from Late Latin, from incubāre to lie upon; see incubate

Medical definitions for incubus

incubus
[ ĭnkyə-bəs, ĭng- ]

n. pl. in•cu•bus•es

An evil spirit believed to have sexual intercourse with women as they sleep.
A nightmare.
An oppressive or nightmarish burden.