The word 举动 is formed by combining two pictographic characters, each contributing a core physical action to create an abstract concept. 举 (jǔ) originally depicted a hand lifting an object upward, conveying the idea of "raising" or "initiating". 动 (dòng) was based on the image of strength (力) moving a heavy object, representing "to move" or "to act". When merged, they conceptually layer the initiating, upward motion of 举 with the broader physical movement of 动, resulting in the combined meaning of "a move", "an act", or "behavior", essentially, an initiated action that manifests as observable conduct.