The word "殴打" is formed through a process of semantic compounding, where two characters with closely related meanings are combined to create a more specific and intensified concept. The character "殴" originally depicted an attack with a weapon or violent strike, carrying a connotation of assault. It is paired with "打", a very general and fundamental character meaning "to hit" or "to strike". By joining them, the word does not simply list two actions but merges their meanings to convey the unified and forceful idea of a violent beating or a sustained physical assault, where "殴" intensifies the nature of the action implied by "打".