Acting to prevent or counteract nightmares or bad dreams.
From Greek 'ante' (against) + 'phialte' (nightmare), from 'phiale' (dream, sleep)—though the etymology is debated among scholars. A specialized medical or magical term from medieval usage.
Medieval physicians prescribed antephialtic remedies—herbs, amulets, and prayers—believing certain substances could protect sleepers from demonic nightmares that were thought to attack during sleep.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.