Definitions

1. noun

a malevolent supernatural being said to lie on a sleeping person’s chest, often causing nightmares or other forms of psychological distress

“The legend of the incubus had long been a part of local folklore, with many people claiming to have been visited by such a creature.”

2. noun

an oppressive or crushing feeling, especially one that is emotional or psychological

“The weight of her responsibilities was an incubus that she struggled to shake.”