succubus

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'succubus' is correct and usable in written English.
It is most often used to refer to a female demon or spirit who takes on the form of a woman in order to seduce men in their dreams. For example, "The legend of the succubus had been passed down from generation to generation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Except here one of the friends gets turned into a monstrous succubus and starts eating her way – on a monthly, and Cody affirms, not strictly LUNAR, schedule – through the full gamut of high school boy stereotypes: pierced goth kid, offensive linebacker, wannabe ladies man etc.

The Guardian - Film

Until recently, it seemed that Victoria was the only dead-eyed succubus amassing strategic weapons, reality shows and dinner dates with infrequently sane movie stars in order to establish a West Coast power base.

The Guardian

With flowing blonde tresses and eggshell complexion (and I do mean eggshell), her "succubus of Satan" swanks around in drop-dead gowns, pronouncing darkly in a Bette Davis groan.

Independent

Incubus, demon in male form that seeks to have sexual intercourse with sleeping women; the corresponding spirit in female form is called a succubus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She faced them down, raised her arms like a succubus, and the lights went out.

The New Yorker

To make the plot churn and to provide a little moral contrast, there are a couple of vile unredeemables in "The Good Life" — a "Lolita -derived piece of Eurotrash, named Anton HohenLolita -derivedtal Attraction"-derived succubus, called Trisha.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

There are Orwellian elements, moments that play like scenes from Second World War resistance movies, traces of Robin Hood and sequences involving succubus-like bogeymen in the sewers that would more normally belong in a horror picture.

Independent

There are Orwellian elements, moments that play like scenes from Second World War resistance movies, traces of Robin Hood and some very gruesome sequences involving succubus-like bogeymen in the sewers that would normally belong in a horror picture.

Independent

Only two sections transcend the gimmicky experimental premise: a succubus-themed blood bath from the talented David Bruckner (whose contribution to "The Signal" was equally potent), and Joe Swanberg's Skype-centered tale of twisted romance, invaluably anchored by a sweetly vulnerable performance from Helen Rogers.

The New York Times

Succubus-like, when we've taken what we want from them, we return them to the mean and barren streets to fend for themselves.

The New York Times

There is something diabolic in the sooty image; it takes a moment to notice the tiny, fleshlike, pointed polyurethane heels at the end of her tensed feet, which give Mège an otherworldly, succubus-like aspect.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "succubus" in fiction, consider the cultural context and potential sensitivities surrounding the term. Ensure the depiction is respectful or appropriately critical depending on your narrative goals.

Common error

Avoid using "succubus" interchangeably with other mythological figures like sirens or vampires. While there may be thematic similarities, a "succubus" specifically refers to a female demon believed to seduce men in their sleep, drawing energy from them.

Linguistic Context

The word "succubus" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a specific type of mythological being. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It can also function attributively, as shown in the example "succubus painter" from The New Yorker.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "succubus" is a noun denoting a female demon believed to seduce men in their sleep, as validated by Ludwig. It appears "very common" in the English language, particularly in "news & media". While the word itself is grammatically straightforward, its usage often involves nuanced considerations of cultural context and potential sensitivities. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is appropriate for use in formal writing, though its mythological connotations and suggestive themes require careful handling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incubus' counterpart

Positions the succubus as the female equivalent to the incubus, focusing on the relationship between the two entities.

seductive spirit

Highlights the seductive quality while remaining vague about the spirit's specific nature.

sexual demon

Directly mentions the sexual nature of the demon, which may be considered more explicit.

female demon

Focuses on the demonic nature of the succubus, omitting the seductive aspect.

malevolent seductress

Emphasizes the evil intent behind the seduction.

temptress of dreams

Illustrates the seductive nature of a succubus within the context of dreams.

energy-draining demon

Highlights the effect of energy depletion associated with a succubus encounter.

night demon

Emphasizes the succubus's nocturnal activity, broadening the demon's characteristics beyond the gender

mythological seducer

Places the figure within a broader mythological context, generalizing its qualities.

sleep paralysis demon

Connects the succubus to the modern phenomenon of sleep paralysis.

FAQs

How to use "succubus" in a sentence?

You can use "succubus" in a sentence to describe a female demon believed to seduce men in their sleep, such as, "The medieval tales often depicted the "succubus" as a dangerous creature."

What is the difference between a succubus and an "incubus"?

A "succubus" is a female demon believed to seduce men in their sleep, while an "incubus" is a male demon believed to seduce women in their sleep. They are often considered counterparts in demonology.

Are there modern interpretations of the "succubus" myth?

Yes, in modern fiction and paranormal discussions, the "succubus" is sometimes reinterpreted as a metaphorical figure representing draining or manipulative relationships, or as a psychological manifestation during sleep paralysis.

What are some of the characteristics associated with a "succubus"?

Common characteristics associated with a "succubus" include seduction, nocturnal appearances in dreams, energy draining, and a demonic or supernatural origin. These traits vary across different cultural interpretations and fictional depictions.