Definitions
(noun)
injustice; grievance; wrong
Etymology
About
The character "冤" is constructed from the radical "冖", representing a cover, placed above the pictograph "兔" for rabbit, forming a composite image that originally depicted a rabbit confined under a cover, evoking a sense of entrapment or helplessness. This literal representation gradually shifted to convey abstract notions of being wronged or unfairly treated, with the meaning evolving over time to specifically denote injustice, wrongful accusation, or unresolved grievance. Its semantic core has remained consistent in referring to situations where one is subjected to hardship without cause, and the character's form, comprising these two components, has persisted without alteration, continuing to reflect its etymological origins through the enduring metaphor of constraint.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
你别冤枉我。
他感到非常冤屈。
这是一个冤案。
他被冤枉偷了钱。
这个判决有点冤。
她为自己申冤。
历史上有许多冤死的人。
即使证据不足，他也不想冤屈任何人。