The Chinese word 揭发 (jiēfā), meaning "to expose" or "to reveal (wrongdoing)", is a compound verb formed through the combination of two independent characters: 揭 (jiē), which carries the core meaning of "to lift", "to uncover", or "to expose", and 发 (fā), which in this context means "to reveal", "to bring to light", or "to make manifest". Together, they create a synergistic meaning where 揭 provides the action of uncovering something hidden, and 发 emphasizes the subsequent act of disclosing or making that information public, thus specifically connoting the exposure of concealed faults, crimes, or secrets.