Nightmare
/ˈnaɪtˌmɛr/noun
A frightening or unpleasant dream.
Did you know?In medieval folklore, nightmares were believed to be caused by a female demon known as a 'mare' who would sit on the chest of a sleeping person, bringing horrific visions.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mēnō
“to dream, to think”
Old English
Old English
mære
“an evil spirit or goblin that torments sleepers”
Old English
Old English
niht
“the period of darkness between sunset and sunrise”
Middle English
Middle English
nightmere
“a nightmare, a dream of distress or terror”
Modern English
English
nightmare
“a distressing dream, often associated with feelings of anxiety or fear”
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