succuba: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowLiterary / Technical (folklore, demonology)
Quick answer
What does “succuba” mean?
A female demon believed to have sexual intercourse with sleeping men.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A female demon believed to have sexual intercourse with sleeping men.
A mythological or literary female entity that seduces or preys upon men, often draining their vitality or causing their corruption. In modern figurative use, it can describe a dangerously seductive or parasitic woman.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term extremely rarely. The form 'succubus' is universal; 'succuba' might be slightly more recognized in UK academic contexts due to Latin tradition, but this distinction is negligible.
Connotations
Identical: archaic, demonological, literary.
Frequency
Exceedingly rare in both. 'Succubus' is the standard term.
Grammar
How to Use “succuba” in a Sentence
the succuba [verb] the mana succuba of [mythological origin]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in papers on medieval literature, demonology, or folklore studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used. 'Succubus' might be known from fantasy genres.
Technical
Used in theological or historical texts discussing demon classifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “succuba”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “succuba”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “succuba”
- Using 'succuba' as a modern, casual synonym for a seductive person (hyper-archaic).
- Misspelling as 'succubus' (which is actually correct for the common term).
- Pronouncing with a /kjuː/ sound (like 'cube') instead of /k.jʊ/ or /k.jə/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially, yes. 'Succubus' is the much more common English form derived from Latin. 'Succuba' is a rare, alternative Latin nominative form sometimes used in very specialized texts.
No, it would sound extremely archaic and obscure. Even 'succubus' is a specialized word, typically only used in discussions of mythology, fantasy, or horror.
The male counterpart is called an 'incubus'.
No. Its core meaning is specifically a female demon. Any modern figurative use (e.g., calling someone a succuba) is a direct metaphor based on this demonic archetype.
A female demon believed to have sexual intercourse with sleeping men.
Succuba is usually literary / technical (folklore, demonology) in register.
Succuba: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌk.jʊ.bə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌk.jə.bə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A succuba SUCKS the life out of you (like a parasite).
Conceptual Metaphor
DANGEROUS DESIRE IS A PARASITIC DEMON; CORRUPTION IS A NIGHTLY VISITATION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the word 'succuba'?