1.
to approach, to draw near
For something (especially a deadline, danger, etc.) to come close.
締め切りが迫っている。
The deadline is approaching.
危険が迫ってきた。
Danger is drawing near.
試験の日が迫ってきた。
The exam day is approaching.
2.
to press, to urge, to demand
To strongly demand or pressure someone.
彼に回答を迫った。
I pressed him for an answer.
辞任を迫られた。
I was pressed to resign.
記者が政治家に説明を迫った。
The reporter pressed the politician for an explanation.
3.
to be pressing, to be imminent
For a situation to become urgent.
決断の時が迫っている。
The time for a decision is pressing.
状況が迫っていて、のんびりしていられない。
The situation is pressing, and we can't take it easy.
迫った状況の中で冷静に判断しなければならない。
We must make calm judgments in a pressing situation.
迫る means to approach (usually something threatening or urgent) or to press/demand.
TRANSITIVITY:
- Type: Intransitive/Transitive (自動詞/他動詞)
- Pattern: Xが迫る (something approaches); Xに迫る (to press X)
ASPECT:
- 迫っている: Is approaching, is imminent (state)
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 締め切りが迫る (the deadline approaches)
- 危機が迫る (a crisis looms)
- 返事を迫る (to press for a reply)
- 真相に迫る (to get close to the truth)
- 迫力がある (to be powerful, compelling)
NOTE: Not to be confused with 狭い (narrow).