The word 审查 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a key action to create a unified concept. The first character, 审 (shěn), carries the core meaning of examining or investigating something in detail. The second character, 查 (chá), adds the meaning of checking, inspecting, or looking into. When placed together, they merge into a single, reinforced idea meaning "to scrutinize" or "to review", where the act of detailed investigation (审) is performed through a process of methodical inspection (查), typically in a formal or official capacity.