Definitions
(verb)
to begin; to initiate
(noun)
beginning; origin
Etymology
About
The character "肇" is structurally composed of "戶" representing a door, "聿" denoting a brush, and "攵" derived from "攴" meaning to strike, with this combination suggesting the formal initiation of an action through the metaphorical opening of a door and the application of force. Etymologically, it originally conveyed the sense of "to begin" or "to commence", often in a deliberate or documented manner due to the inclusion of "聿", which is associated with writing and law. Over time, its meaning extended to include "to cause" or "to originate", particularly in contexts where an event is set into motion, as evidenced in later usage within compounds referring to the causation of incidents.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他因肇事被罚款。
肇事司机已经自首了。
改革肇始于上世纪。
他酒后驾车肇祸了。
这起事故肇因于机械故障。
该事件肇端于一场误会。
这场纠纷肇始于小小的分歧。
此次冲突肇因于长期积累的矛盾。