This is the 3545th most frequent Japanese word.
被
"被" means "to be subjected to" or "to receive" and is often used to indicate a passive voice in Japanese grammar.
Here, 被 is not explicitly used, but the passive construction implying the affected action relates to 被 usage in similar contexts.
彼は上司に厳しく指導された。
He was harshly guided by his boss.
被 illustrates a passive causation, where the subject is affected by the weather condition.
彼は雨に被られた。
He was covered by rain.
被 is demonstrative of indirect influence on the subject, portrayed metaphorically through evaluations.