The word 联合 (liánhé) is formed through the semantic combination of two independent characters, each contributing its core meaning to create a new, unified concept. The first character, 联 (lián), carries the idea of connection, alliance, or linking together. The second character, 合 (hé), means to join, combine, or close. When placed side-by-side, they visually and conceptually merge to form the compound meaning of "to unite", "alliance", or "joint action", where the act of linking (联) is inherently an act of joining into one (合).