Meaning & Definition of word "Nightmarish"
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Nightmarish
/naɪtˈmɛrɪʃ/
adjective:
- 1. characteristic of a nightmare; extremely unpleasant, frightening, or distressing.
- Example: The nightmarish conditions in the disaster zone made rescue efforts incredibly challenging.
- 2. evoking a sense of horror or dread.
- Example: She described her nightmarish experience of being lost in the dark woods.
- 3. resembling a nightmare in intensity or absurdity.
- Example: The bureaucratic process was so convoluted that it felt like a nightmarish labyrinth.
- 4. marked by difficulty or suffering.
- Example: After working through a nightmarish week of long hours, he finally took a much-needed vacation.
Etymology
From 'nightmare' + '-ish', where 'nightmare' comes from Old English 'mare', referring to a goblin or incubi that sits on sleeping people's chests.
Common Phrases and Expressions
nightmare scenario:
A situation or event that is extremely unpleasant or frightful.
wake up from a nightmare:
To stop experiencing a bad or frightening situation.
nightmare fuel:
Something that inspires fear or horror, often used in reference to media.
living in a nightmare:
Experiencing a situation that is exceedingly distressing.
Related Words
nightmare:
A frightening or unpleasant dream.
horror:
An intense feeling of fear, shock, or disgust.
dread:
Great fear or apprehension.
Slang Meanings of nightmarish
Meaning: A situation that is overwhelmingly difficult.
Example Sentence: That exam was a total nightmarish experience.
Meaning: Used to describe overly complex or problematic scenarios.
Example Sentence: Planning that event was nightmarish.