1. plural of incubus; male demons believed in folklore to lie on sleeping people, especially women
Usage: mythological; folklore
2. plural of incubus; things that oppress or burden like a nightmare
Usage: figurative

Examples

• Medieval folklore described incubuses as supernatural beings that tormented sleepers.
• The ancient texts warned of incubuses that would visit in the night.
• She felt as though incubuses of doubt and fear weighed upon her mind.
• The therapist helped him recognize that his anxieties were like incubuses he needed to confront.
• Legends of incubuses appear in many different cultures throughout history.
• He described his recurring worries as incubuses that prevented peaceful sleep.