bad dream
Disturbing nocturnal vision
A bad dream is a disturbing or unpleasant dream—a nightmare, though often milder than that word suggests.
Children report bad dreams; adults tend to reach for nightmare.
The phrase appears in reassurance: It was just a bad dream.
Figuratively, a bad dream describes surreal, unsettling experiences: The whole ordeal felt like a bad dream.
- nightmareFrightening dream causing wakefulness
- night terrorIntense parasomnia with screaming
- terrorExtreme, overwhelming fear
- sleepRecurring unconscious repose
- sleep paralysisTemporary waking immobility
cold sweat · sweat · fear · haunting · waking up · wake · bolt upright · scream · darkness · twisted · chase · falling · paralysis · sheets · dread · disturbing · vivid · restless