nightmare

[ˈnaɪtˌmer]

nightmare Definition

• 1. a frightening or unpleasant dream
• 2. an experience that is very difficult or unpleasant

Using nightmare: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "nightmare" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I had a nightmare about falling off a cliff.

• Example

  The traffic jam was a complete nightmare.

• Example

  The project turned into a logistical nightmare.

• Example

  The thought of public speaking is a nightmare for many people.

nightmare Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for nightmare

• horror
• terror
• fright
• bad dream
• terrible dream

Phrases with nightmare

• living nightmare

  a situation that is so bad it feels like a never-ending nightmare

  Example

  The pandemic has been a living nightmare for many people.

• nightmare scenario

  a situation that is the worst possible outcome

  Example

  The nightmare scenario for the company is bankruptcy.

• nightmare fuel

  something that is so scary or disturbing that it can cause nightmares

  Example

  The horror movie was full of nightmare fuel.

Origins of nightmare

from Middle English 'nihtmare', meaning 'an evil spirit believed to haunt and suffocate sleeping people'

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Summary: nightmare in Brief

A 'nightmare' [ˈnaɪtˌmer] is a frightening or unpleasant dream, or an experience that is very difficult or unpleasant. It can be used to describe both literal dreams and metaphorical situations, such as 'The traffic jam was a complete nightmare.' 'Nightmare' also appears in phrases like 'living nightmare,' which describes a never-ending bad situation, and 'nightmare scenario,' which refers to the worst possible outcome.