[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/nightmare/)

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# nightmare

noun (a nightmare, nightmares)

«nightmare» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. A frightening or very upsetting dream. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nightmare/#m1)
2. A very difficult or unpleasant situation or experience. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nightmare/#m2)

### In the lessons

In feelings lessons, nightmares are normal, especially after scary films or worries; talking about them, a calm bedtime and a nightlight help, and a nightmare is not real. In everyday speech, a traffic jam or a messy day can be «a nightmare». In stories, a nightmare can show what a character fears. Phrases: «have a nightmare», «wake up from a nightmare», «a nightmare journey», «a living nightmare».

### Examples

- I had a nightmare about a giant spider. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nightmare/#x1)
- She woke up screaming from a nightmare. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nightmare/#x2)
- Scary films give me nightmares. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nightmare/#x3)
- Getting home in the snow was a nightmare. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nightmare/#x4)
- Dad said the traffic was a total nightmare. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nightmare/#x5)
- After a nightmare, a hug from Mum helps. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nightmare/#x6)
- Nightmares can feel real, but they are only dreams. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nightmare/#x7)
- Losing the tickets would be a nightmare! [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nightmare/#x8)
- He thought he had a nightmare. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nightmare/#x9)

### Note

Countable; one word. The opposite of a bad dream is a «sweet dream». The old word «mare» meant an evil spirit, not a horse. If nightmares happen often, tell a parent or doctor.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «nightmare» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nightmare/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«nightmare» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/nightmare.html) on Mova free.