The word 遭受 is formed through the conceptual fusion of two independent characters, each carrying a related sense of experiencing something negative. 遭 originally depicted the idea of "encountering" or "meeting with" (often a circumstance), while 受 conveyed "receiving" or "undergoing". When combined, their meanings do not simply add together but merge into a single, intensified concept. This process creates a new unit where the first character (遭) sets the stage of an unwelcome encounter, and the second (受) confirms the reception of its impact, ultimately forming a cohesive idea meaning "to suffer" or "to be subjected to" adversity.