The Chinese word 挫折 (cuòzhé) is a compound term formed by combining two characters with related meanings to create an abstract concept. The first character, 挫 (cuò), carries meanings of "to subdue", "to frustrate", or "to hinder". The second, 折 (zhé), means "to break", "to snap", or "to suffer a loss". When paired, their individual connotations of obstruction and breaking synergize to form a single, powerful noun that metaphorically represents a setback, reversal, or failure, the experience of being hindered or "broken" in one's progress or plans, thereby capturing both the action of being thwarted and the resulting psychological state of frustration.