The word 恃强凌弱 is formed by the sequential combination of four characters: 恃 (meaning to rely on), 强 (meaning strength), 凌 (meaning to bully or oppress), and 弱 (meaning weakness). It constructs a coherent phrase where 恃强 (relying on strength) leads to 凌弱 (bullying the weak), directly conveying the concept of using superior power to mistreat the vulnerable.