About
圄 is a phono-semantic compound composed of the outer enclosure radical 囗 (wéi), which visually conveys the idea of walls, an enclosed space, or confinement, and the inner character 吾 (wú), a classical pronoun meaning "I" or "my". The 吾 element serves exclusively as a phonetic indicator, providing the character's pronunciation without imparting any semantic connection to the self. Historically, 圄 means a prison, jail, or the act of imprisoning someone, locking them within a secure boundary. The character most frequently appears in the compound 囹圄 (língyǔ), a formal, literary term for a prison that underscores the physical barriers and governmental detention.
Etymology Hide
Example Words
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.