The word 抵押 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a core idea to create a unified concept. The first character, 抵 (dǐ), carries the meaning of "to offset", "to balance", or "to be equal to in value". The second character, 押 (yā), means "to pawn", "to pledge", or "to give as security". When fused, the compound visually and conceptually conveys the act of placing an item of equivalent value as security for a loan or obligation, forming the complete idea of a mortgage or collateral pledge.