Incubus

An incubus is a male demon believed to have sexual relations with sleeping women. Historically, this figure has been associated with nightmares, particularly those involving sexual assault or violation. The concept of the incubus has roots in various mythologies and folklore, often representing repressed desires, anxieties, and fears. The incubus can also be used metaphorically to describe anything that oppresses, weighs heavily on, or torments, as in a persistent worry or a burdensome situation.

Incubus meaning with examples

• The terrified woman recounted how the incubus, a shadowy figure with glowing red eyes, had appeared in her dream, leaving her shaken and unable to sleep soundly. This recurring nightmare fueled her anxieties and made her afraid to be alone, impacting her daily life and mental well-being. She sought therapy, hoping to finally break free of the demon’s oppressive hold.
• In medieval times, the church often accused women of consorting with incubi, viewing them as victims of demonic influence and sexual deviance. This superstition fueled witch hunts and social stigma. The fear of the incubus became a tool of oppression, a way to control women's sexuality and enforce societal norms, impacting the history of women's rights.
• He described his persistent financial struggles as an incubus, relentlessly draining his resources and weighing him down. His business's constant drain made him feel powerless, crushing his hopes for the future. Each day felt like another attempt to survive against the unrelenting pressure, a constant battle.
• The artist depicted the incubus not as a demon, but as a physical representation of his self-doubt and artistic stagnation. His inability to create felt like a heavy weight, and his paintings revealed the oppressive nature of his own mind and the battles within. Each brushstroke symbolized the struggle to break free from this mental burden.