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The character "慝" is structured from the component 匿, meaning to hide, and 心, representing the heart or mind, forming a semantic compound that conceptually points to concealed interior thoughts. This traditional form has consistently used these elements to convey the notion of hidden moral flaws. Initially, in early Chinese texts, "慝" specifically denoted covert malice or personal vices kept within, but over time its application broadened to include more general senses of evil or depravity, yet often retaining an underlying implication of secrecy or internal corruption.
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