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Meredith is the victim of a brutal attack in the midseason premiere of "Grey's Anatomy."

Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) experienced all kinds of emotional pain in previous seasons of "Grey's Anatomy." But when the show returns for its midseason premiere next month, the newly widowed doctor will be going through a horrifying ordeal as she gets brutally attacked by one of her patients.

In the promo for episode 9 titled "The Sound of Silence," Meredith is caring for her patient when he suddenly gets up. Meredith tells him to rest, saying, "Let's get back on the bed." However, the patient turns violent and he grabs Meredith and sends her crashing to the wall. He then grabs her by the arms and throws her onto the bed, and later the patient pushes her hard against a cabinet. Meredith is seen trying to fight him off, and later she ends up sobbing on the floor, her unconscious attacker beside her.

Everyone at Grey's Sloan goes into action to save her as Penny yells for help. Jackson is heard asking what happened and someone tells him that Meredith was attacked by a patient. An oxygen mask is placed on Meredith's face and she looks panicked as she fights for her life. Amelia helplessly looks on, and a tearful Alex kisses Meredith's head. The doctors in the emergency room work to save Meredith, and the sound of a beeping machine can be heard as she gasps in pain.

Speaking with E! News about the midseason premiere, series star Kelly McCreary said that Meredith's attack is "as gruesome and terrifying as it looks."

Sarah Drew said that what probably scared Meredith while she was attacked is that she was powerless in the midst of it all. But what happens to her brings the staff together as they try to help her heal, physically and emotionally.

"It makes us realize how much of a family Seattle Grace really is and how in times of trauma and times of turmoil, how you come together for the common good," said Anthony Pickens Jr.

"Grey's Anatomy" returns Thursday, Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. on ABC.