Definitions
(verb)
to invade; to encroach
(verb)
to approach; to draw near
Etymology
Phonosemantic compound. 亻 represents the meaning and 𠬶 represents the sound.
About
The character 侵 is structured with the person radical 亻 on the left and a right-hand component that originally served as a phonetic element, indicating its early association with human-driven action. Etymologically, the character conveyed the idea of gradual advance or stealthy encroachment into another's domain. Over centuries, its meaning solidified around core concepts of intrusion and violation, initially appearing in classical texts to describe military invasions or territorial incursions, later extending into legal and social contexts to denote infringement on rights or boundaries. The graphic form of 侵 has remained consistent, and its semantic application has broadened through compounds like 侵犯 for infringement and 侵略 for aggression, reflecting a focused evolution from physical invasion to abstract violations.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
敌人入侵了边境。
历史告诉我们侵略是错的。
他的隐私被侵犯了。
过度使用农药侵害土壤。
细菌侵入人体导致疾病。
他们试图侵占我们的土地。
这种言论侵害了他的名誉。
网络入侵可能侵害国家安全并侵犯公民隐私。