The word **提防** (dīfang, meaning "to guard against" or "to be wary of") is a compound formed through the combination of two distinct morphemes: **提**, which originally means "to lift" or "to carry" but in this context extends metaphorically to convey "to be alert" or "to bring (one's attention) up," and **防**, which means "to defend" or "to prevent." Together, they create a semantic unit where the action of "lifting" one's vigilance merges with the concept of "defending," resulting in the unified meaning of taking proactive cautionary measures. Historically, this formation follows a common Chinese linguistic pattern where two verbs with related meanings are joined to express a more specific and nuanced action, in this case, the mental and practical act of being on guard.