The word 争执 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a key aspect of the concept. The first character, 争 (zhēng), visually depicts two hands pulling an object apart, conveying the core idea of struggle, contention, or strife. The second character, 执 (zhí), originally represented a pictograph of a person in handcuffs, carrying the meaning of holding firmly to something, being obstinate, or adhering to a position. When fused, the compound 争执 creates a vivid conceptual image of two parties tightly gripping opposing sides of an issue, pulling against each other in a firm, unyielding disagreement, thus perfectly encapsulating the meaning of "dispute" or "contention".