About
勒 is a phono-semantic compound with the radical 力 (lì, "strength") on the right, indicating physical force, and the phonetic component 革 (gé, "leather") on the left. Its original meaning referred to leather reins or a bridle used to control a horse through physical pulling. This concrete action of restraint naturally extended to metaphorical uses involving coercion or compelling someone against their will. A secondary meaning, derived from the forceful application of tools, relates to carving or inscribing text onto hard surfaces.
Etymology Hide
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。