About
戕 is a phono-semantic compound. The semantic radical 戈 (gē), a traditional halberd, anchors the character’s meaning in weaponry and violence. The left component 爿 (qiáng) functions as the phonetic element, originally depicting split wood or a bed frame. The core meaning is to kill, injure, or inflict harm, often with a sense of cruelty. In classical texts, it frequently denotes assassination, massacre, or the devastation of war. The structure, weapon paired with its phonetic counterpart, visually conveys violent destruction.
Etymology Hide
