襲おそう

godan verb (-u), transitive verb

attack; assault; strike

Physical or figurative attack; can be used for people, animals, natural disasters, or sudden negative events.

• 熊くまが突とつ然ぜんキャンプ客きゃくを襲おそった。

  A bear suddenly attacked the campers.

• その地ち域いきは大おおきな地じ震しんに襲おそわれた。

  The area was struck by a major earthquake.

godan verb (-u), transitive verb

succeed; take over (a role)

Used when someone follows another in a position, often with a nuance of inheriting or stepping into the role.

• 彼かれは父ちちの跡あとを襲おそって社しゃ長ちょうになった。

  He succeeded his father as company president.

godan verb (-u), transitive verb

pay a surprise visit; drop in on

Implies an unannounced or sudden visit, often with a slightly forceful or unexpected nuance.

• 週しゅう末まつに友ゆう人じんが突とつ然ぜん我わが家やを襲おそってきた。

  A friend suddenly dropped in on us over the weekend.