1.
surprise attack, raid, ambush
A sudden, unexpected attack intended to catch the enemy off guard. Used literally for military tactics and figuratively for unexpected moves in sports, business, or other competitive contexts.
敵の陣地を奇襲した。
They launched a surprise attack on the enemy's position.
夜明け前の奇襲が成功した。
The surprise attack before dawn was successful.
後半開始直後に奇襲をかけ、相手チームは完全に不意を突かれた。
They launched a surprise offensive right after the start of the second half, completely catching the opposing team off guard.
奇襲 combines 奇 (unexpected) and 襲 (attack). The key element is the surprise, not the scale of the attack.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 奇襲をかける: to launch a surprise attack
- 奇襲攻撃: surprise offensive
- 奇襲に成功する: to succeed in a surprise attack
- 奇襲を受ける: to be subjected to a surprise attack
USAGE:
Frequently used in historical, military, and sports contexts. In sports, it describes an unexpected tactical move that catches the opponent unprepared.