偷袭 means 'to launch a surprise attack' — a sudden, unexpected offensive action aimed at catching the target off guard. The character 偷 (tōu) literally means 'to steal' and conveys stealth, secrecy, and underhandedness; 袭 (xí) means 'to attack' or 'to assault', often with intensity and immediacy. Together, they form a compound verb emphasizing both concealment and aggression — not just any attack, but one executed covertly and without warning.

This term is commonly used in military, strategic, or competitive contexts — such as describing ambush tactics in warfare, wildlife behavior (e.g., predators stalking prey), or even metaphorical usage in business or sports ('a surprise move'). It carries a slightly negative or adversarial connotation, implying unfair advantage through secrecy rather than open confrontation. While it can describe literal physical attacks, it’s also frequently used figuratively to describe unexpected challenges or setbacks.