What Does It Mean When Someone Dies In Your Dream? - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Health
• Sleep Health
• Dreams
• Dream Interpretation

What Does It Mean When Someone Dies in Your Dream? 11 Interpretations Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 You’re dealing with change. 2 You’re worried about losing someone. 3 You need to nurture yourself. 4 You’re working through the end of a relationship. 5 You're grieving the recent loss of someone. 6 You're fondly remembering a deceased loved one. 7 You need a sense of closure. 8 You’re currently dealing with someone who’s dying. 9 You’re letting go of a behavior. 10 You struggle with the subject of death. 11 You’re not predicting someone’s death. + Show 8 more... - Show less... Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Related Articles References Co-authored by Jesse Lyon MS, CCHt, QS, LMHC and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: May 24, 2025 References

Download Article X

This article was co-authored by Jesse Lyon MS, CCHt, QS, LMHC and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Jesse Lyon is a licensed counselor, dream interpreter and clinical hypnotherapist based in Orlando, FL. With over a decade of experience, Jesse has an extensive background in complex trauma, anxiety, dissociative disorders, and the neurodivergent community. In 2017, he launched his private practice, Lyon Counseling LLC, where he bridges the gap between modern culture and empathetic mental health. Jesse is a passionate educator and viral social media influencer with over 2.5 million TikTok followers @LyonMentalHealth, where he shares insights on the subconscious mind, dream interpretation, and more. He is also the cofounder of Trauma Focused Hypnotherapy, a hypnotherapy practice that offers in-person trainings with clients, plus online courses and other educational resources. He previously worked as one of the founders and Chief Dream Scientist at the DreamApp Ltd. Jesse graduated with a BA in Psychology from Thomas Edison State University, and with a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 404,878 times.

It can be alarming to wake up from a dream where someone dies. What does it mean? You may feel anxious if the dream features the death of a person who's still alive. On the other hand, you might feel comforted if your dream has a cherished loved one who's already died. Although experts don't have clear answers on why people dream, we'll share reasons why you might be having this dream along with plenty of psychology-based interpretations.

What It Means If You See Someone's Death in Your Dream

Dreams about someone dying can represent transformation or the end of a chapter in your life. If you're close to the person who died, it could mean that your relationship is changing, says dream interpreter Jesse Lyon.[1] If you're dreaming about a deceased loved one, it might mean you're still working through the loss.[2]

Steps

1

You’re dealing with change.

Download Article

1. Dying can signify transformation or the end of something.[3] Watching someone die in your dream can feel frighteningly realistic, but it's usually figurative. You might dream about someone dying if you're making big life changes like leaving a job or ending a long-term relationship for instance.[4]
   • Dreaming about dying can also motivate you to make a change that you've been putting off. For example, maybe you've been thinking about going back to school or repairing a broken relationship.
Advertisement

2

You’re worried about losing someone.

Download Article

1. The person who dies in your dream might be someone you're afraid to lose. If you've dreamed about someone close to you dying, like a parent, sibling, or child, it may be because you genuinely fear losing them. It may also mean that you fear a loss of connection with that person.[5]
   • For example, you might dream about your sibling dying. This might be triggered by real-life relationship problems between the two of you.
   • If you dream that you're the one who dies, it might be because you're afraid of losing some part of your identity.
   • Reader Poll: We asked 180 wikiHow readers what they find most effective for dealing with nightmares, and 49% of them said I talk about them with friends or family to process my feelings. [Take Poll]

3

You need to nurture yourself.

Download Article

1. You may dream that you're dying if you're not feeling fulfilled. Maybe you've been too busy focusing on work or raising a family, and you haven't been doing things that help you thrive or relax. A dream about your own death can be a wake-up call to focus your attention on something that's important to you.
   • For instance, maybe you've been so preoccupied with making other people happy, that you haven't prioritized your own happiness. Give yourself permission to spend time on yourself.
Advertisement

4

You’re working through the end of a relationship.

Download Article

1. The death of someone can symbolize a changing relationship. It might mean that it's completely over, especially if you're dreaming that you're in a graveyard or burying them. In some cases, dreaming about a friend or partner dying might just mean that the relationship is changing in some way.[6]
   • For instance, you might dream about a childhood friend dying, when in reality you're both growing older and going your separate ways.

5

You're grieving the recent loss of someone.

Download Article

1. Working through the loss can cause intense emotions. Your dream about the person can feel extreme—you might feel amazement to see them alive in your dream or you may feel intense despair to realize that they're not actually alive in reality. You're more likely to have these types of "back to life" dreams within the first few days or months of a loved one's death.[7]
   • Researchers found that people who had a mixture of intensely positive and negative emotions were still in the earliest stages of grief.
Advertisement

6

You're fondly remembering a deceased loved one.

Download Article

1. These dreams can bring you a sense of comfort. Some people see this kind of dream as a visit from those they love. It just means that you still care about the person and you have positive memories of them. You may even wake up feeling happy or cared for.[8]
   • In these dreams, you might see your deceased loved one, but they're healthy or young again.
   • If you dream about a loved one who's died, you might dream that they support you in some way—they cook you a meal, give you a hug, or offer you advice.

7

You need a sense of closure.

Download Article

1. You might dream that a deceased loved one gives you assurances or forgiveness. Sometimes, we don't get to properly say goodbye to our loved ones before they pass. You may feel regret that you couldn't say farewell or part on good terms with someone. Dreams are a way that some people find closure months or even years after someone passes.[9]
   • For instance, if you weren't able to make it to a grandparent's bedside before they died, you may dream that you're visiting with them and you give them a big goodbye hug. This can help you feel at peace with their death.
Advertisement

8

You’re currently dealing with someone who’s dying.

Download Article

1. Caregivers frequently experience disturbing dreams.[10] If you're preparing for the death of a loved one, then dying is a subject that will weigh heavily on your mind. This stress from preparing to grieve can cause more frequent dreaming.[11] It's not surprising that you may dream about the person dying since you're mentally preparing for that to happen.[12]
   • If you're a caregiver struggling with poor sleep, it can help to unwind and do something relaxing before you go to bed.
   • If it's hard for you to stop thinking about the death of a loved one, set aside time specifically to think about that. Then, shift your mental energy to something completely different.

9

You’re letting go of a behavior.

Download Article

1. You might dream that you're dying or dead if you're trying to be different. In this case, your death might symbolically mean the end of how you used to be or a behavior that you're stopping.[13] For instance, if you're stressed not smoking anymore, you may dream about your death, but really it's because you're thinking about the end of a habit.
   • Death dreams might alert you that you need to nurture some new part of yourself. For example, if you're a new non-smoker, allow yourself to feel proud of your hard work or reward yourself in some way.
Advertisement

10

You struggle with the subject of death.

Download Article

1. In many cultures, death is a taboo subject, so dreams may be your way of confronting it. Researchers found that terminally ill patients near death increasingly dreamed about dying. This led researchers to believe that dreams of dying may be a way for the mind to acknowledge and accept mortality.[14]
   • The study went on to say that thinking about and discussing death can relieve these kinds of existential struggles.

11

You’re not predicting someone’s death.

Download Article

1. Just because you've had the dream doesn't mean it will happen. Because dreams feel so real it's easy to worry that if someone died in your dream, they'll die in real life. Fortunately, just because you dream about something doesn't mean it is going to happen.[15]
   • You may be trying to figure out what a death dream means, but psychologists don't look for a single answer. Instead, they work with patients who are looking for their own interpretations of what the dream means to them.[16]
Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question

• Question Why do I dream about famous people or fictional characters dying, even though they are not dead in reality? Community Answer Dreaming about people dying might indicate a desire for change or reflect feelings of regret for not spending enough time with others. Death in dreams often symbolizes the end of something or a significant transformation. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 45
• Question What does it mean if I dream about a loved one being sick or dying, even though they are healthy in real life? Community Answer Dreaming about a loved one being sick or dying may indicate underlying feelings or unresolved issues related to them, such as conflicts or guilt about not spending enough time together. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 37
• Question What does it mean if my daughter dreams about me dying? Community Answer She might be worried or upset about something related to you. If you haven't talked in a while or have had a disagreement, that could be influencing her dreams. It's a good idea to ask her if something is bothering her. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 42

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

What Does It Mean If a Deceased Loved One Shows up in a Dream? What Does it Mean to Dream About a Funeral? What Does it Mean to Dream About a Dead Person Talking to You? Meaning, Warnings, and Advice Why Are You Dreaming of Dead Relatives? What Does It Mean When You Dream About Being Killed? How to Make Sense of Dreams about Car Crashes What Does It Mean to Dream About Crying? 15+ Possible Interpretations What Does It Mean if Someone Dreams about You? What Dreams About Drowning Mean What Does It Mean to Dream about the Same Person? 9 Interpretations What Does it Mean to Dream About a Plane Crash? What Does Dreaming About a Friend Really Mean? What Do Dreams about Falling Mean? What Does It Mean to Dream About Fighting Someone? Advertisement

References

1. ↑ Jesse Lyon MS, CCHt, QS, LMHC. Dream Interpreter and Clinical Hypnotherapist. Expert Interview
2. ↑ Jesse Lyon MS, CCHt, QS, LMHC. Dream Interpreter and Clinical Hypnotherapist. Expert Interview
3. ↑ Jesse Lyon MS, CCHt, QS, LMHC. Dream Interpreter and Clinical Hypnotherapist. Expert Interview
4. ↑ https://kentuckycounselingcenter.com/do-dreams-mean-anything/
5. ↑ https://journeyintodreams.com/death-and-dying/
6. ↑ https://journeyintodreams.com/death-and-dying/
7. ↑ https://dreams.ucsc.edu/168/deceased_loved_ones.html
8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dream-catcher/201902/dreams-and-death
9. ↑ https://dreams.ucsc.edu/168/deceased_loved_ones.html

More References (7)

10. ↑ https://www.caregiver.org/resource/grief-and-loss/
11. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/stress-dreams-why-do-we-have-them-and-how-to-stop/
12. ↑ Jesse Lyon MS, CCHt, QS, LMHC. Dream Interpreter and Clinical Hypnotherapist. Expert Interview
13. ↑ https://michaelrolsen.com/dream-interpretation-burial-death-funeral/
14. ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/247870799_Dreams_of_Death
15. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/nightmares.html
16. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/think-act-be/201602/what-dreams-your-death-are-really-about

About This Article

Co-authored by: Jesse Lyon MS, CCHt, QS, LMHC Dream Interpreter and Clinical Hypnotherapist This article was co-authored by Jesse Lyon MS, CCHt, QS, LMHC and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Jesse Lyon is a licensed counselor, dream interpreter and clinical hypnotherapist based in Orlando, FL. With over a decade of experience, Jesse has an extensive background in complex trauma, anxiety, dissociative disorders, and the neurodivergent community. In 2017, he launched his private practice, Lyon Counseling LLC, where he bridges the gap between modern culture and empathetic mental health. Jesse is a passionate educator and viral social media influencer with over 2.5 million TikTok followers @LyonMentalHealth, where he shares insights on the subconscious mind, dream interpretation, and more. He is also the cofounder of Trauma Focused Hypnotherapy, a hypnotherapy practice that offers in-person trainings with clients, plus online courses and other educational resources. He previously worked as one of the founders and Chief Dream Scientist at the DreamApp Ltd. Jesse graduated with a BA in Psychology from Thomas Edison State University, and with a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University. This article has been viewed 404,878 times. 52 votes - 67% Co-authors: 10 Updated: May 24, 2025 Views: 404,878 Categories: Dream Interpretation In other languages Spanish Hindi Vietnamese Portuguese French Indonesian Thai German Italian Chinese Arabic Dutch Turkish Japanese

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 404,878 times.

Reader Success Stories

• 

  Anonymous

  Feb 20, 2023

  "I actually had one of the dreams before and was wondering what they ment. Thanks wikiHow."

More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Jesse Lyon MS, CCHt, QS, LMHC Dream Interpreter and Clinical Hypnotherapist 52 votes - 67% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 10 Updated: May 24, 2025 Views: 404,878

Anonymous

Feb 20, 2023

"I actually had one of the dreams before and was wondering what they ment. Thanks wikiHow."

Semira S.

Jan 5, 2024

"It help so much. Go check out wikiHow. They give the best tips and tricks :)." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Does My Dream Mean QuizTake QuizRecurring Dream AnalyzerAnalyze MeWhen Will I Die QuizTake QuizHow Will I Die QuizTake QuizWho Was I in a Past Life QuizTake QuizAre You Falling in Love QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

What Does It Mean If a Deceased Loved One Shows up in a Dream?What Does it Mean to Dream About a Funeral?What Does it Mean to Dream About a Dead Person Talking to You? Meaning, Warnings, and AdviceWhy Are You Dreaming of Dead Relatives?

Featured Articles

How toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?

Trending Articles

How toMake OutHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizIs Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?

Featured Articles

Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality Test250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)What Is My Favorite Color Quiz215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas

Featured Articles

100+ Creative Ways to Say Good NightWhy Can't I Sleep Quiz150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel SpecialWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic Meanings19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the WorldWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their Benefits

Watch Articles

How toWrap a Round GiftHow toSteam in an OvenHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & BeyondWhich of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson)How to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersWhat’s My Personality Based on My K-Pop Taste?What School Subject Are You?

Quizzes & Games

Lost Inner Child TestTake QuizDepression TestTake QuizChildhood Trauma TestTake QuizHow Hard Has My Life Been QuizTake QuizHave I Met My Twin Flame QuizTake QuizWho Was My Lover in My Past Life QuizTake Quiz

• Categories
• Health
• Sleep Health
• Dreams
• Dream Interpretation

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --549