Hagridden
/ˈhæɡˌrɪdən/noun
Distressed, overwhelmed, or tormented, especially by persistent worry or obsession.
Did you know?The word comes from the old belief that a hag, like a witch or nightmare spirit, could literally ride a sleeping person and cause terrifying pressure and dread.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
haga
“A hedge or enclosure; later associated with a witch-like old woman in later folk usage”
Old Norse
ON
hagr
“A hag, witch, or sorceress”
Middle English
English
hag ridden
“Afflicted or tormented by a hag, especially in sleep”
16th-17th Century
English
hagridden
“Oppressed, harassed, or as if weighed down by a witch's nocturnal attack”
Modern English
English
hagridden
“Troubled, burdened, and mentally tormented”
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