Nightmare
/ˈnaɪtˌmɛər/
Definitions
2 meaningsA frightening or disturbing dream that typically occurs during REM sleep.
/ˈnaɪtˌmɛər/
A frightening or unpleasant dream.
I had a terrible nightmare last night where I was lost in a dark forest.
💡 Simply: Ever had a dream so scary you woke up in a cold sweat? That's a nightmare! Like when you're chased by a giant monster or falling from a tall building.
👶 For kids: A scary dream!
More Examples
Her nightmare was so vivid she couldn't fall back asleep for hours.
He was plagued by recurring nightmares after the accident.
How It's Used
"Nightmares are often associated with stress and anxiety."
"The protagonist experienced vivid nightmares throughout the story."
A highly undesirable or difficult situation; a source of great anxiety or distress.
/ˈnaɪtˌmɛər/
A very difficult or unpleasant experience or situation.
Getting stuck in traffic during rush hour is a nightmare.
💡 Simply: When something is a real nightmare, it means it's a super difficult, annoying, or stressful situation, like when your computer crashes right before a big presentation.
👶 For kids: A really, really bad thing that's hard to deal with!
More Examples
The customer service experience was a total nightmare.
The construction project turned into a logistical nightmare.
How It's Used
"The project became a nightmare due to constant delays and budget overruns."
"Dealing with the bureaucracy was a complete nightmare."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
a living nightmare
A situation or experience that is extremely unpleasant and difficult to endure.
"Living with that roommate was a living nightmare."
From Middle English *night mare* (evil spirit that torments people in their sleep), from Old English *niht* (night) + *mære* (incubus, evil spirit).
Historically, 'nightmare' referred to a demon thought to cause bad dreams. Its usage has expanded to describe any extremely unpleasant experience.
Memory tip
Imagine a mare (horse) appearing in your dreams at night, bringing terror and fear.
Word Origin
"night"