About
The character "勒" is structured from the components "革", meaning leather, and "力", meaning force, which together suggest an original concept of applying pressure to leather, specifically in the context of horse bridles and reins. Its earliest meanings were tied to the act of restraining or controlling animals with leather equipment, which then extended metaphorically to denote broader actions of curbing, compelling, or enforcing, as seen in terms like "勒令" for issuing orders. Over time, the character also adopted the sense of engraving or carving, likely arising from the notion of exerting force to incise marks onto surfaces, thereby widening its application from physical restraint to include deliberate inscription. This shift from a concrete object to abstract verbs of control and creation illustrates how the character's inherent idea of forceful application has been consistently reinterpreted across various domains of use.
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。