About
As a phono-semantic compound, 蹶 uses the semantic radical 足 (foot) to denote actions related to the feet or legs, paired with the phonetic component 厥. Its core meaning is to stumble, trip, or fall from a misstep. Over time, this literal loss of balance was extended metaphorically to mean suffering a setback, defeat, or failure, broadening its use from physical actions to general situations where plans or efforts suddenly collapse.
Etymology Hide
