About
The character 虐 combines the upper radical 虍 (tiger) as its semantic component, conveying ferocity and danger, with a lower part representing claws or grasping, intensifying the image of a violent beast attack. From this literal depiction of a tiger assaulting prey, its meaning extended to describe human cruelty, tyranny, and oppressive conduct. The concept thus expanded from physical savagery to include systemic abuse and the harsh exercise of power, making 虐 a key element in words denoting torture, maltreatment, and severe physical or psychological harm.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我们反对虐待动物。
这部电影很虐心。
他受到虐待后报警了。
虐童行为必须受到法律严惩。
暴虐的统治终于被推翻了。
这种自虐的行为不利于健康。
历史上有些君主以虐杀为乐。
防止虐待老年人是社会的重要责任。