succubus

[ suhk-yuh-buhs ]

noun

, plural suc·cu·bi [suhk, -y, uh, -bahy].

1. a demon in female form, said to have sexual intercourse with men in their sleep. Compare incubus ( def 1 ).
2. any demon or evil spirit.
3. Archaic. a strumpet; prostitute.

succubus

/ ˈsʌkjʊbəs /

noun

1. Also calledsuccuba a female demon fabled to have sexual intercourse with sleeping men Compare incubus
2. any evil demon

Word History and Origins

Origin of succubus¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin, variant of Latin succuba succuba; incubus

Word History and Origins

Origin of succubus¹

C16: from Medieval Latin, from Late Latin succuba harlot, from Latin succubāre to lie beneath, from sub- + cubāre to lie

Example Sentences

“That includes, but is not limited to ... actual humans, DMs, AI bots or succubus demons.”

From Los Angeles Times

Devon is one of a clandestine race of literary succubi who literally survive on a diet of books — romances, page-turners or unappetizing dictionaries.

From Seattle Times

“I think there has been a pervasive perception of me as a shallow succubus, if that makes any sense, for at least the first decade of my career,” Fox said.

From Washington Post

Let’s pause here briefly to note that Immanuel is likely referencing incubi and succubi in her sermons.

From The Guardian

Their concerns and their troubles are discussed at the coffee counter, and whether it’s a vampire, an elf or a succubus, their issues are relatable.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dream
• fantasy
• hallucination
• horror
• ordeal
• vision