About
A phono-semantic compound, 窒 combines the semantic radical 穴 (cave, hole) with the phonetic component 至 at the bottom. Its original meaning referred to the physical blockage or obstruction of a passage. This sense of closure later extended to the stopping of airflow, leading to its primary modern meaning: suffocation or asphyxiation. Metaphorically, it also describes situations, systems, or processes that are stifled or impeded.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
浓烟会导致窒息。
地下室空气窒闷。
管道被杂物窒塞了。
这项规定窒碍了发展。
他的专制管理让员工感到窒息。
缺乏创新会窒塞公司的进步。
在高压环境下工作容易产生窒息感。
思想上的禁锢比肉体上的窒息更可怕。