The word "一触即溃" is formed by sequentially combining four characters where "一" (one) modifies "触" (touch) to create the phrase "一触" meaning "upon a single touch", which then connects directly to "即" (immediately) followed by "溃" (collapse), resulting in a cause-and-effect structure that literally means "upon touching, it immediately collapses" to convey the idea of instant failure under minimal pressure.