rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryincubusOppressive burden
noun

incubus

ING-kyuh-buhs/ˈɪŋkjʊbəs/

A distressing burden or nightmare-like oppressive influence.

The recurring nightmare is an incubus that disturbs his sleep.

A white adult sleeper weighed down by a large abstract dark shadow over the blankets, oppressive nightmare burden, nonsexual.
Etymology
incubareLatinlie upon

A nightmare imagined as something lying on a sleeper became a figurative oppressive burden.

More examples

  • The fear of failure becomes an incubus.
  • The old scandal hangs over the institution like an incubus.

Forms

incubus

Similar words

burden
A broader weight or responsibility.
nightmare
Emphasizes a frightening or deeply unpleasant experience.