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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