About
The character '锢' is structured as a phono-semantic compound, integrating the metal radical '钅' with the phonetic element '固' that suggests both its pronunciation and a sense of solidity. Its earliest applications were concrete, describing the act of pouring molten metal to seal cracks or reinforce objects, a meaning directly inferred from its radical. Over time, this literal notion of physical sealing expanded metaphorically to encompass ideas of strict confinement or imprisonment, as evidenced in classical and modern lexical pairs such as '禁锢'. The traditional variant '錮' maintains the full form of the metal radical '金', preserving a clearer visual link to its original metallurgical context, while the simplified form modifies this component for stylistic efficiency.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
传统观念禁锢了社会。
她试图禁锢自己的记忆。
他们用铁链锢住了大门。
法律不应禁锢言论自由。
这种技术能禁锢有害物质。
长期禁锢会导致心理问题。
锢疾难医，需要耐心治疗。
在专制统治下，思想禁锢尤为严重。