The word 趋利避害 is formed by combining two parallel verb-object phrases: 趋利 (pursue benefit) and 避害 (avoid harm). Here, 趋 means "to tend towards" or "pursue", and 利 means "benefit", while 避 means "to avoid", and 害 means "harm". The two phrases are juxtaposed directly, creating a compound that denotes the simultaneous action of seeking advantages and evading dangers.