What Does It Mean to Dream of Sinking Underwater?

Dream interpretation: According to Freud, once we leave the womb, we develop an unconscious desire to return to its comforting embrace.

So when you dream of sinking underwater, the water symbolizes the amniotic fluid of the womb. This could mean you\’re dealing with an Oedipus complex or simply feeling overwhelmed by real-life stress—prompting that deep-seated longing to retreat to safety.

Interestingly, the act of sinking mirrors the motion of birth, just in reverse. We all enter the world emerging from water (the womb), so descending back into it represents a subconscious wish to become a baby again—to hide in that protective space where you feel utterly secure.