ichidan verb, intransitive verb
be possessed (by a spirit, demon, etc.)
Used for supernatural possession, often with 霊, 狐, 悪魔, etc. The subject is the person possessed, and the possessing entity is marked with に.
彼は悪霊に取り憑かれたようだ。
He seems to have been possessed by an evil spirit.
昔話では、狐に取り
In old tales, it is said that when a person is possessed by a fox, their personality changes.
ichidan verb, intransitive verb
be obsessed (with an idea, delusion, etc.); be possessed (by a thought)
Metaphorical extension: a person is consumed by a fixed idea, fear, or desire as if possessed. Often used with 考え, 妄想, 恐怖, etc.
彼は妙な考えに取り憑かれて、仕事が手につかない。
He is obsessed with a strange idea and can't focus on his work.
死の恐怖に取り憑かれると、何も楽しめなくなる。
When you are possessed by the fear of death, you can't enjoy anything.