Understanding Nightmares: The Implications of Attacks in Dreams
Dreams are often mirrors of our deepest fears and concerns, reflecting aspects of our waking lives that we may not fully confront. One particularly unsettling dream is that of being attacked by a stranger. Such dreams can provoke significant anxiety and confusion, leaving one to ponder their meaning upon waking.
In various cultures, including the rich traditions of Islamic dream interpretation, dreams serve as messages from the divine or insights into our subconscious. The figure of a stranger in such a dream can symbolize the elements of our lives that feel unpredictable or threatening. This interpretation aligns with the idea that fears of the unknown and feelings of vulnerability can manifest in our dreams, urging us to examine our emotions and circumstances.
By delving into the symbolism behind these dreams, we can uncover layers of meaning that guide our understanding of ourselves and encourage healing.
Dream Interpretation - Talk to me!

📱 Bestie+ App is Here!
Experience personalized dream interpretations, save your dreams, and share them with your loved ones! Available now on iOS and Android.
- Dreams of being attacked by a stranger often signify feelings of vulnerability and fear in waking life.
- Such dreams can represent unresolved inner conflicts or fears of betrayal.
- Interpreting these dreams with compassion and understanding can provide clarity and guidance.
Symbols
- assaulted
- Extirpate:
(Destroy; Extirpate; An assault which is directed by an enemy or which is aimed at an enemy.) An assault in a dream means a disaster, a calamity, a flood, a fire, locusts or major changes in the world. To devastate someone by looking at him with despise in a dream means that the assailant will suffer from the jealous eye of his victim in wakefulness.
- Despise:
- Destroy:
- Extirpate:
- unknown person
- Obtrude:
- Intruder:
In a dream, an intruder represents a stranger, a low spirited person who is much humiliated by others because of his cast or origin. In a dream, an intruder also may represent a messenger, a lively person, or a restless one.
- Young man:
(Teenage boy) An unknown young man in a dream represents an enemy. If the young man is known in the dream, then whatever strength, harshness, weaknesses, deceit, perfidy, or character he displays, they denote the same character in wakefulness. Walking behind an unknown young man in a dream means pursuing one’s enemy and conquering him.
If one meets an unknown young man whom he dislikes in a dream, it means that such an enemy will surface and people will abhor him. If one happens to like him in the dream, then it means that he will face an enemy whom most people like and sympathize with. If a young man sees himself turned into an old person in a dream, it means that he will suffer major losses in his life.
Ayoung man or a teenager in a dream mostly represents an enemy, for a teenager rarely respects or heeds the advice of his peers. A young man in a dream also represents deceit, betrayal, energy, or stubbornness, though he also could represent blessings and gratitude.
- stranger
- Intruder:
In a dream, an intruder represents a stranger, a low spirited person who is much humiliated by others because of his cast or origin. In a dream, an intruder also may represent a messenger, a lively person, or a restless one.
- Abandoned infant:
(Foundling; Waif) Picking-up an abandoned infant in a dream means picking-up one’s enemy, in conjunction to the story of Moses and Pharaoh. Picking up an abandoned child in a dream also could mean returning things to the way they should be, or dispelling distress and sorrow. If one sees himself planting an apple tree in a dream, it means adopting an orphan, or caring for one.
To find oneself as an orphan in a dream means depression which is caused by injustice. To be an orphan in a dream also means feeling depressed because of one’s love for a woman, loss of property or money.
- Waif:
(Foundling; Waif) Picking-up an abandoned infant in a dream means picking-up one’s enemy, in conjunction to the story of Moses and Pharaoh. Picking up an abandoned child in a dream also could mean returning things to the way they should be, or dispelling distress and sorrow. If one sees himself planting an apple tree in a dream, it means adopting an orphan, or caring for one.
To find oneself as an orphan in a dream means depression which is caused by injustice. To be an orphan in a dream also means feeling depressed because of one’s love for a woman, loss of property or money.
- Intruder:
- attacked
- Charge against:
(Charge against; Comeback) Charging against one’s enemy in a dream means victory in wakefulness, or it could mean disturbance, anxiety, concern, going through a mental conflict or having doubt, and it may mean regret, repentance and correcting the course of one’s actions and thoughts.
- Comeback:
(Charge against; Comeback) Charging against one’s enemy in a dream means victory in wakefulness, or it could mean disturbance, anxiety, concern, going through a mental conflict or having doubt, and it may mean regret, repentance and correcting the course of one’s actions and thoughts.
- Extirpate:
(Destroy; Extirpate; An assault which is directed by an enemy or which is aimed at an enemy.) An assault in a dream means a disaster, a calamity, a flood, a fire, locusts or major changes in the world. To devastate someone by looking at him with despise in a dream means that the assailant will suffer from the jealous eye of his victim in wakefulness.
- Charge against:
- outsider
- Warble fly:
(Enemy; Spy)
- Intruder:
In a dream, an intruder represents a stranger, a low spirited person who is much humiliated by others because of his cast or origin. In a dream, an intruder also may represent a messenger, a lively person, or a restless one.
- Obtrude:
- Warble fly:
Steps to Navigate Your Dream of Being Attacked
- Reflect on Your Emotions
When you wake from a dream of being attacked by a stranger, take a moment to reflect on the emotions you felt during the dream. Were you scared, confused, or powerless? Write these feelings down in a journal.
Exploring your emotional state can provide insight into your waking life. Consider if there are any unresolved conflicts, stressors, or anxieties that might resonate with the feelings experienced during the dream. Do you feel threatened in your daily life by a situation or person?
Embracing these feelings and acknowledging their presence can significantly help in your personal growth and understanding. You may also find it helpful to speak to someone you trust about your feelings; sometimes, verbalizing our fears brings clarity.
- Establish Safety and Security
If you frequently dream about being attacked, it might indicate that you are struggling with feelings of insecurity or vulnerability. To mitigate these dreams, focus on creating a sense of safety in your life. Start by identifying areas in your life where you feel insecure, whether in personal relationships, work environments, or even within yourself.
Once you recognize these areas, take proactive steps to reinforce your security. This might include setting healthy boundaries with others, seeking support from friends or family, or even consulting a professional counselor if the feelings are overwhelming. Additionally, practicing self-care routines, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in activities that bring you joy, can help elevate your sense of safety.
The more secure you feel in your reality, the less likely these dreams will trouble your sleep.
FAQs
- What does it mean to dream about being attacked by a stranger?
Dreaming about being attacked by a stranger often reflects feelings of vulnerability or fear in our waking life. The stranger can symbolize unknown threats, whether they are external or internal, such as unresolved personal issues, anxiety, or emotional conflict. It is essential to consider your current life circumstances and feelings when interpreting this dream.
- Are dreams about strangers always negative?
Not necessarily. While many dreams involving strangers may carry negative connotations, they can also represent new opportunities or aspects of ourselves that we are yet to explore. The context of the dream and the emotions felt during it are crucial for understanding its meaning.
- How can I stop having nightmares about being attacked?
If these nightmares persist, try engaging in relaxation techniques before sleep. Practices such as meditation or mindfulness can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Additionally, addressing any underlying fears or stressors in your waking life may decrease the frequency of such dreams.
- Is there a spiritual meaning to being attacked in my dreams?
From a spiritual perspective, being attacked in dreams may be seen as a call to confront fears or address unresolved issues. Some interpretations suggest it is a way for the subconscious to bring attention to areas where we may feel threatened or lack control, guiding us toward personal healing.
- Can dreams of being attacked signify a past trauma?
Yes, such dreams can resonate with past traumas. They may serve as a reminder of unresolved feelings or anxiety linked to those experiences. If you find these dreams troubling, seeking professional guidance can be beneficial in processing and healing from past traumas.