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Nightmare Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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nightmare

[ˈnaɪtˌmɛr ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

bad dream

A nightmare is a very frightening dream, especially one that wakes you up.

Synonyms

bad dream, night terror.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nightmare

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.
bad dream

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.
night terror

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.

Examples of usage

  • I had a nightmare last night about being chased by a monster.
  • She often suffers from nightmares after watching horror movies.
Context #2 | Noun

unpleasant experience

A nightmare can also refer to a situation or experience that is very unpleasant or difficult to deal with.

Synonyms

bad experience, disaster.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nightmare

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.
bad experience

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.
disaster

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.

Examples of usage

  • The project turned into a nightmare with constant setbacks.
  • Dealing with a difficult boss can be a nightmare.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'nightmare'

The word 'nightmare' has its origins in Old English, where 'mare' referred to a demon or evil spirit believed to cause feelings of suffocation or anxiety during sleep. The 'night' prefix emphasizes that these experiences occur during the night. Over time, the term evolved to represent a bad dream or a distressing experience.

See also: midnight, night, nightclub, nightcrawler, nightfall, nightingale, nightly, nightstick, nighttime, overnight, tonight.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,390, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.