Succubus
/ˈsʌk.jʊ.bəs/noun
A female demon believed to engage in sexual activity with sleeping men.
Did you know?The Succubus was often thought to drain life force from men during sleep, linking them to ancient fears of nocturnal spirits and sexual temptation.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
succuba
“a female demon or spirit that lies beneath (the bed) to seduce men.”
14th Century
Middle English
succubus
“a female demon thought to have sexual relations with men.”
10th Century
Old French
succubus
“a term adopted from Latin referring to a demon who engages in sexual acts.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sub
“under, beneath; associated with things hidden or concealed.”