noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
attack under cover of darkness
Specifically an attack carried out at night or in the dark, often with the implication of stealth or ambush.
敵は闇討ちを仕掛けてきた。
The enemy launched an attack under cover of darkness.
夜道で闇討ちに遭う。
To be attacked in the dark on a night road.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
A broader sense of a sudden, unexpected attack, not necessarily at night. Often used figuratively or in less literal contexts.
記者会見で闇討ちのような質問を受けた。
I was hit with a surprise-attack-like question at the press conference.