Nightmare: meaning, definitions and examples

This is a very common term used to describe a scary or disturbing dream that causes fear or anxiety. It is typically used in both formal and informal conversations.

• I had a nightmare about being chased by a monster.
• After the horror movie, I couldn't sleep because I kept having nightmares.

A more general term that may include nightmares but is less intense. It's typically used when the dream was unpleasant but not necessarily terrifying.

• She woke up from a bad dream feeling unsettled.
• A bad dream about failing the exam kept him awake last night.

This term is used in a clinical or medical context to describe severe and intense episodes of screaming, panic, or confusion during sleep, mainly affecting children. It has a more specific and severe connotation than 'nightmare.'

• The child experienced night terrors and often woke up screaming.
• Night terrors can significantly disrupt a person's sleep.

This word is best used to describe a terrifying or very troubling dream, but it can also describe a very difficult or unpleasant experience in a more general sense.

• She woke up sweating from a nightmare about being chased.
• Planning the wedding turned into a real nightmare with all the mix-ups.

This term is suitable for describing any uncomfortable or unpleasant event that someone encounters. It doesn't necessarily involve fear or terror, just an overall negative event.

• Getting lost in the city was a bad experience for the tourists.
• Breaking his arm was a bad experience he'll never forget.

Use this word to refer to a catastrophic event that results in significant loss or damage. It can be used literally, for natural or man-made catastrophes, or figuratively for something that turns out very poorly.

• The hurricane was a disaster that left thousands homeless.
• The dinner party was a disaster because the oven broke down.