襲(おそ)う

おそう
verb (godan)
to attack, to strike
1. to attack, to assault
To make a sudden violent action against.
敵(てき)を襲(おそ)う。
To attack the enemy.
熊(くま)が人(ひと)を襲(おそ)った。
A bear attacked a person.
夜中(よなか)に強盗(ごうとう)が店(みせ)を襲(おそ)った。
A robber attacked the store in the middle of the night.
2. to strike, to hit
For a disaster or feeling to come upon suddenly.
台風(たいふう)が町(まち)を襲(おそ)った。
A typhoon struck the town.
不安(ふあん)に襲(おそ)われた。
I was overcome with anxiety.
午後(ごご)になると眠気(ねむけ)に襲(おそ)われることがある。
In the afternoon, I sometimes get overcome by drowsiness.

襲(おそ)う is a transitive godan verb meaning to attack, assault, or strike.

TRANSITIVITY:

  • Type: 他動詞(たどうし) (transitive)
  • Takes を for the target: Xを襲(おそ)う

USAGE CONTEXTS:
1. Physical attacks: 敵(てき)を襲(おそ)う (attack the enemy)
2. Natural disasters: 台風(たいふう)が町(まち)を襲(おそ)う (typhoon strikes the town)
3. Emotions/feelings: 不安(ふあん)が襲(おそ)う (anxiety strikes)

PASSIVE FORM (COMMON):

  • Xに襲(おそ)われる: to be attacked/struck by X
  • 眠気(ねむけ)に襲(おそ)われる: to be overcome by drowsiness
  • 恐怖(きょうふ)に襲(おそ)われる: to be seized by fear

RELATED:

  • 襲撃(しゅうげき): attack, raid (noun)
  • 奇襲(きしゅう): surprise attack
general
Added 2026.1.9 21:31 · Revised 2026.2.20 11:51
01500/01915_osou