Definitions
to urge on; incite
Etymology
About
The character 嗾 is a phono-semantic compound. Its left-side semantic radical, 口 (kǒu, "mouth"), connects it to vocal actions. The right-side component, 族 (zú, "clan"), serves only as a phonetic marker, contributing no meaning. Originally, the character specifically denoted the sharp whistling or shouting used by hunters to command dogs to attack. This meaning later broadened into a general verb for instigating or provoking someone to commit a hostile act, retaining the core idea of inciting aggression.
Etymology Hide
