The word 指责 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a core meaning that merges into a new concept. The first character, 指 (zhǐ), means "to point" or "to indicate", invoking a physical or metaphorical gesture of singling something out. The second, 责 (zé), means "to blame" or "to demand responsibility". Together, they create a compound where the action of "pointing" is directly targeted at the act of "blaming", visually and conceptually forming the idea of accusation, to point the finger of blame at someone.