Cauchemars (en. Nightmares)

/koʃmaʁ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

A dream that causes fear or anxiety.

I had a nightmare where I was falling into an abyss.

J'ai fait un cauchemar où je tombais dans un abîme.

A painful or disastrous situation.

This year has been a real nightmare for my family.

Cette année a été un véritable cauchemar pour ma famille.

An unpleasant event or experience.

The flight in a storm was a true nightmare.

Le vol en orage était un véritable cauchemar.

From Old French 'cauchermar', composed of 'caucher' (to lie down) and 'mar' (evil or malevolent spirit).

to have a nightmare

To experience a very unpleasant dream.

faire un cauchemar

recurring nightmares

Terrifying dreams that occur regularly.

cauchemars récurrents

to be someone’s nightmare

To cause great worries or inconveniences to someone.

être le cauchemar de quelqu'un

dream

Altered state of consciousness that occurs during sleep.

rêve

fear

Emotion felt in the face of imminent danger.

peur

anxiety

State of deep anxiety or disturbance.

angoisse

To feel overwhelmed by problems or challenges.

This week was a real nightmare with all these exams.

Cette semaine, c'était un véritable cauchemar avec tous ces examens.

An extremely stressful situation.

The move was a nightmare; there was too much to do.

Le déménagement était un cauchemar, il y avait trop de choses à faire.