The word 导致 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a core meaning that merges into a new, unified concept. The first character, 导 (dǎo), carries the essential idea of "to lead" or "to guide". The second character, 致 (zhì), fundamentally means "to cause" or "to bring about". Their combination creates a cause-and-effect sequence, where the action of the first character (leading) directly results in the consequence of the second (bringing about), thus forming the complete verb meaning "to lead to" or "to result in".