incubi

Definition
  1. Noun (plural of ):
    • Mythological beings: In folklore, "incubi" are male demons believed to lie upon sleeping persons, especially women, in order to have sexual intercourse with them. They are the male counterpart of succubi.
    • Nightmares: By extension, "incubi" can refer to oppressive or terrifying dreams, often associated with a feeling of weight on the chest (the "old hag" phenomenon).
Usage Examples

  • Mythological beings:

    • Medieval texts describe incubi as demons that prey on sleeping women. (Male demons in folklore.)
    • The incubi were said to be the offspring of fallen angels. (Mythological entities.)

  • Nightmares:

    • She suffered from incubi that left her gasping for air in the middle of the night. (Oppressive nightmares.)
    • The term 'incubi' is sometimes used to describe the sensation of sleep paralysis. (A feeling of being weighed down.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Incubi and succubi": A paired phrase in demonology referring to male and female demons, respectively.

    • The church warned against incubi and succubi as agents of temptation. (Paired demonic entities.)

  • "Incubus attack": A term in parapsychology for an alleged supernatural assault during sleep.

    • Reports of incubus attacks were common in medieval Europe. (Alleged supernatural experiences.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Incubus (n, singular): a single male demon.

    • The incubus visited her every night. (Singular form.)

  • Succubus (n, singular): a female demon who seduces sleeping men.

    • The succubus is the female counterpart of the incubus. (Related demon.)

  • Incubous (adj): a botanical term meaning "with the upper edge of each leaf overlapping the base of the leaf above it" (not related to demons).

    • The moss has an incubous leaf arrangement. (Botanical usage.)
Synonyms
  • Nightmare: a frightening or oppressive dream.
    • He woke from a nightmare, sweating and terrified. (A bad dream.)
  • Demon: an evil spirit or supernatural being.
    • The exorcist banished the demon. (Evil entity.)
Related Idioms
  • Like an incubus: describing something oppressive or burdensome.
    • The debt hung over him like an incubus. (A heavy, oppressive weight.)
Notes on Pluralization
  • The word incubi is the Latin plural of incubus. In English, both and are accepted as plurals, though is more common in academic or mythological contexts.