"格杀勿论" is formed through the sequential combination of four characters: "格" meaning to strike or combat, "杀" meaning to kill, together forming "格杀" meaning to kill in combat; followed by "勿" meaning do not, and "论" meaning to discuss or judge, forming "勿论" meaning without discussion. The phrase grammatically links the action of killing with the prohibition of judgment to convey the meaning of "execute without trial".