The word 措施 is formed through the conceptual combination of two characters, each contributing a layer of meaning about action and implementation. 措 originally carried the sense of arranging, placing, or handling something. 施 meant to carry out, execute, or apply something. When combined, they create a compound word where the first character suggests the planning or arrangement of methods, and the second character emphasizes putting those plans into effect, thus together meaning "measures" or "steps to be taken" to address a situation.