Incubus

Pronunciation: /ˈɪŋkjəbəs/

Definitions of incubus

noun A cause of distress or anxiety

Example Sentences

A1 I had a nightmare about an incubus last night.

A2 Some people believe that an incubus is a male demon that seduces women in their sleep.

B1 In folklore, an incubus is often depicted as a demon that preys on sleeping women.

B2 The concept of an incubus has been present in various cultures throughout history.

C1 Psychologists may interpret the idea of an incubus as a manifestation of repressed desires.

C2 Literature often explores the psychological implications of encounters with an incubus.

Examples of incubus in a Sentence

formal The incubus is a demon in male form that preys on sleeping women.

informal Some people believe that an incubus is responsible for their sleep paralysis.

slang I heard a story about a guy who claimed to have been visited by an incubus in his dreams.

figurative The oppressive heat felt like an invisible incubus weighing down on the city.

Grammatical Forms of incubus

• past tense: incubused
• plural: incubi
• comparative: more incubus
• superlative: most incubus
• present tense: incubuses
• future tense: will incubus
• perfect tense: have incubused
• continuous tense: is incubusing
• singular: incubus
• positive degree: incubus
• infinitive: to incubus
• gerund: incubusing
• participle: incubused

Origin and Evolution of incubus

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'incubus' originated from Latin, derived from the term 'incubo' meaning 'nightmare' or 'one who lies upon'. It was believed to be a demon or evil spirit that would sexually assault women in their sleep.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'incubus' has come to be associated with any malevolent spirit or entity that preys on individuals during their sleep, regardless of gender. It is often used metaphorically to describe a burdensome or oppressive presence.