Definitions
used in 潰膿|溃脓[huì nóng]; Taiwan pr. [kuì]
(bound form) (of floodwaters) to break through a dam or dike; (bound form) to break through (a military encirclement); (bound form) to be routed; to be overrun; to fall to pieces; (bound form) to fester; to ulcerate
About
The character "溃" in its simplified form and its traditional counterpart "潰" are structured with the water radical "氵" on the left, indicating a semantic connection to liquids, and the phonetic component "贵" or "貴" on the right, which historically guided pronunciation. Etymologically, this composition points to an original meaning centered on water bursting through a barrier, such as a dam or dyke, leading to flooding. Over time, the literal sense of physical breach expanded metaphorically to describe the collapse and dispersal of military troops, akin to a flood's chaotic spread. This semantic extension further broadened to encompass the breakdown of any organized system, including the festering and bursting of wounds in medical contexts, while the core idea of a sudden, disruptive release remained inherent in its structure.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他的精神崩溃了。
敌军在战斗中溃败了。
伤口没有处理，开始溃烂。
士兵们慌乱地溃退了。
暴风雨导致大坝溃堤。
他的胃溃疡又发作了。
谣言使整个团队溃散了。
经济危机让许多公司崩溃。