Incubus definition

ĭnkyə-bəs, ĭng-

Words form:

Frequency:

An evil spirit supposed to descend upon and have sexual intercourse with women as they sleep.

noun

A nightmare.

noun

(folklore) An evil spirit or demon who has sexual intercourse with sleeping women.

noun

An oppressive or nightmarish burden.

noun

A nightmare.

noun

Anything oppressive; burden.

noun

An evil spirit supposed to oppress people while asleep, especially to have sex with women as they sleep.

noun

A feeling of oppression during sleep, sleep paralysis; night terrors, a nightmare.

noun

Any oppressive thing or person; a burden.

noun

One of various of parasitic insects, especially Aphidiinae.

noun

Other Word Forms

Singular:

incubus

Plural:

incubi, incubuses

Middle English from Late Latin alteration of Latin incubō from incubāre to lie down on incubate

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Late Latin incubus, from Latin incubo (“nightmare, one who lies down on the sleeper”), from incubāre (“to lie upon, to hatch”), from in- (“on”) + cubāre (“to lie”).

From Wiktionary