Nightmare dream meaning is explained below using 16 different sources. Each interpretation is shown with its source.

Interpretation 1 — Silvana Amar

If you have nightmares, try to understand the fears and the events in those dreams. They suggest that you might be holding on to be traumatic or guilt based conflicts. You may have a lot of powerful negative feelings that require reconciliation.

If nightmares continue for an extended period of time, the individual should consider obtaining professional counseling services. Nightmares are a direct result of overwhelming feelings of fear and helplessness, or a result of an unprocessed traumatic experience.

A nightmare is any dream that wakes you up because of its frightening and overwhelming images.

Source: The Bedside Dream Dictionary • Author: Silvana Amar

Interpretation 2 — Martha Clarke

If you suffer nightmares, it is evident that the insecurity, fears, and worries are having an effect on you. However, to interpret this type of dream correctly, you should try to remember if you have recently seen a horror movie or read a hair- raising story that could have affected you subconsciously. Not in vain, these mechanisms of a narrative type have the ability to awaken dark points of the past that are repressed in the unconscious. Their function is to remind you what types of situations frighten you.
Source: The Big Dictionary of Dreams • Author: Martha Clarke

Interpretation 3 — myjellybean

If you had a nightmare, try to remember some specific images events from the dream, and look up the meanings of those symbols for a detailed interpretation.

If you dreamed that you were having a nightmare - a very rare dream - suggests that you are probably repressing a rather intense and deep-seated emotional problem.

If you know what it is, talk it over with someone you trust, or seek therapy. You must allow your mind to relax and heal.

Source: My Dream Interpretation • Author: myjellybean

Interpretation 4 — Betty Bethards

Any nightmare is a teaching dream, your guidance trying to get your attention. Nothing is scary when the symbols are worked out; it is just a way to get you to remember them. To dream you are having a nightmare is a double message to pay attention and get some insight.

See Monster.

Source: The Dream Books Symbols • Author: Betty Bethards

Interpretation 5 — Stearn Robinson - Tom Corbett

To dream of having a nightmare is an extremely rare phenomenon and suggests you are probably repressing a rather deep-seated emotional problem; if you know what it is, talk it over with someone you trust; otherwise get help from a professional psychologist
Source: The Complete Guide to Interpreting Your Dreams • Author: Stearn Robinson - Tom Corbett

Interpretation 6 — Gustavus Hindman Miller

To dream of being attacked with this hideous sensation, denotes wrangling and failure in business.

For a young woman, this is a dream prophetic of disappointment and unmerited slights. It may also warn the dreamer to be careful of her health, and food.

Source: Ten Thousand Dream Interpretation • Author: Gustavus Hindman Miller

Interpretation 7 — James R. Lewis and Evelyn Dorothy Oliver

Too much indulgence in the things that cause upset to the mind, the body, or the spirit is indicated by nightmares, indicating it is time to cut back, identify problems, and reorganize one’s lifestyle.
Source: Dream Symbols in The Dream Encyclopedia • Author: James R. Lewis and Evelyn Dorothy Oliver

Interpretation 8 — Pagan - Anonymous

Nightmares suggest that you are holding on to very strong conflicts, which may be traumatic or guilt based. You may have a lot of powerful negative feelings which need to be reconciled.
Source: Tryskelion Dream Interpretation • Author: Pagan - Anonymous

Interpretation 9 — Gillian Holloway

To dream of being ridden by the nightmare Is a sign that a woman so dreaming shall be suddenly after married; and that a man shall be ridden and domineered over by a fooL.
Source: The Complete Dream Book • Author: Gillian Holloway

Interpretation 10 — Katherine Taylor Craig

To be ridden by a nightmare signifies that a woman shall suddenly marry; that a man shall be domineered over by a fool (Artemidorus).
Source: The Fabric of Dream • Author: Katherine Taylor Craig

Interpretation 11 — Internet Archive - Anonymous

To imagine that you are Dreaming, or have Nightmare, in your dream, is a warning to you of treachery on the part of someone you trust.
Source: Mystic Dream Book • Author: Internet Archive - Anonymous

Interpretation 12 — Stephen Girard

To dream of being ridden by the nightmare, is a sign that a woman so dreaming shall be domineered over by a fool.
Source: The Mystic Dream Book • Author: Stephen Girard

Interpretation 13 — Joan Seaman - Tom Philbin

1. Bitter disappointments.

2. Possible health issue.

3. Out-of-control anxieties, fears.

Source: New American Dream Dictionary • Author: Joan Seaman - Tom Philbin

Interpretation 14 — Margaret Hamilton

The fear and distress is real, but can be overcome by seeking spiritual wisdom
Source: Dream Dictionary Unlimited • Author: Margaret Hamilton

Interpretation 15 — Indian - Anonymous

You are guided by foolish persons. Beware of such people.
Source: Indian Interpretation of Dreams • Author: Indian - Anonymous

Interpretation 16 — Dream Explanations - Anonymous

See Venting Dream.
Source: Strangest Dream Explanations • Author: Dream Explanations - Anonymous