About
勒 is a phono-semantic compound: 革 (gé, "leather") provides the meaning, and 力 (lì) gives the sound. Originally, it denoted the leather reins or bridle used to control a horse, an action requiring physical strength. From this concrete act of reining in came metaphorical senses of restraining, coercing, or forcing someone. The forceful effort involved also extended to carving, engraving, or inscribing on hard surfaces such as stone.
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Example Sentences Hide
请勒紧安全带。
他因勒索被捕。
学校勒令学生退学。
画家勾勒出轮廓。
他及时勒马避免了事故。
法院勒令他接受勒戒。
犯罪分子经常勒索商人。
为了安全，必须勒紧所有松动的部件。
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