浴びせる

• Reading: あびせる
• Romaji: abiseru
• Kanji breakdown: 浴 (yoku/a) — bathe, shower, be drenched
• Pronunciation: /a.bi.se.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To pour or shower something onto someone; to heap (criticism, praise, or abuse) upon a person. Used both literally and figuratively.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb, the transitive causative form of 浴びる (to bathe in, to be showered with). In the literal sense it means pouring liquid onto someone. Figuratively, it is very commonly used to express directing an overwhelming quantity of something — usually criticism, insults, or cheers — at a person. The subject is typically a group or the passive construction is used.

Examples

1. 記者会見で大臣は厳しい批判を浴びせられ、顔色が変わった。 At the press conference, the minister was showered with harsh criticism and visibly changed colour.
2. ゴールを決めた選手に、スタジアム中のファンが大声援を浴びせた。 Fans throughout the stadium showered the player who scored the goal with loud cheers.
3. 彼は相手に罵声を浴びせ続け、周囲の人々を唖然とさせた。 He continued to hurl abuse at his opponent, leaving those around him dumbfounded.

Usage Guide

Context: media, sports, criticism, daily life

Tone: intense

Origin & History

Transitive form of 浴びる, which itself derives from 浴 (yoku), meaning to bathe or be drenched. The addition of せる creates a causative-transitive construction, making someone else the recipient of the shower.

Cultural Context

Era: Contemporary

Generation: All ages

Social background: General