1.
to push down; to thrust off; to knock off (a ledge, etc.)
To forcefully push someone or something downward, causing them to fall from a height or elevated position.
犯人は被害者を階段から突き落とした。
The culprit pushed the victim down the stairs.
崖から突き落とされそうになった。
I was almost pushed off a cliff.
2.
to plunge (into despair); to push (into misfortune)
Figuratively, to cause someone to fall into a negative state such as despair, misfortune, or a difficult situation.
その知らせは彼女を絶望の淵に突き落とした。
That news plunged her into the depths of despair.
TRANSITIVITY:
- Type: Transitive (他動詞)
- Pattern: XがYを突き落とす
COMPOUND VERB STRUCTURE:
突く (to thrust/push) + 落とす (to drop/let fall) = to push down forcefully
ASPECT (ている):
突き落としている can mean either:
- In the process of pushing down (ongoing)
- Has pushed down (resultant state, less common)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 階段から突き落とす - to push down the stairs
- 崖から突き落とす - to push off a cliff
- 絶望に突き落とす - to plunge into despair
- 不幸に突き落とす - to thrust into misfortune
- 地獄に突き落とす - to cast into hell
USAGE NOTE:
Often appears in crime reports, dramatic narratives, and figurative expressions about emotional devastation. The physical sense implies violent intent.
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 突き飛ばす - to push away (horizontally)
- 押し倒す - to push over
- 落とす - to drop (without the forceful pushing)