Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 nightmarish · IPA /nˈaɪtmˌɛrɪʃ/ 01 adj. Terrifying, as if in a nightmare{2}; resembling a nightmare{2}. 1. Terrifying, as if in a nightmare{2}; resembling a nightmare{2}. Syn. bloodcurdling, hair-raising.