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cauchemar

nightmare

noun kosh-MAHR Less Common

Usage Note

Cauchemar comes from Old French caucher ('to trample') and a Germanic word for goblin (mare), reflecting the old belief that a demon sat on sleepers' chests. Figuratively, c'est un cauchemar can describe any very unpleasant situation. The adjective cauchemardesque means 'nightmarish'.

Examples

"J'ai fait un cauchemar cette nuit."

Natural Translation

I had a nightmare last night.

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