mara
0 synonyms and 0 antonyms for mara, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — In Germanic and Scandinavian folklore, a demon or spirit believed to sit on a sleeper's chest and cause nightmares.
We haven't recorded synonyms for mara yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.
Etymology
From Old Norse mara — the same root that gives English "nightmare," since a "night-mare" was originally this very demon, not a horse.
Full origin of mara →Frequently asked questions
What does “mara” mean?
The word “mara” means in Germanic and Scandinavian folklore, a demon or spirit believed to sit on a sleeper's chest and cause nightmares. In plain terms, either the folkloric nightmare-demon, or the Patagonian rodent that shares its name.
How do you pronounce “mara”?
“Mara” is pronounced MAH-ruh (/ˈmɑːɹə/ in IPA).
How do you use “mara” in a sentence?
Here is “mara” used in a sentence: “Old Norse legend blamed nightmares on the mara pressing down on the sleeper.”
What part of speech is “mara”?
“Mara” is a noun.
Where does the word “mara” come from?
The word “mara” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse mara — the same root that gives English "nightmare," since a "night-mare" was originally this very demon, not a horse.
Is “mara” a common word?
“Mara” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “mara” have?
“Mara” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in Germanic and Scandinavian folklore, a demon or spirit believed to sit on a sleeper's chest and cause nightmares.