The word 支持 is formed through the logical combination of two meaningful characters, each contributing a concrete action to create an abstract concept. The first character, 支, originally depicted a hand holding a branch, conveying the idea of "propping up" or "sustaining". The second character, 持, depicts a hand holding an object near the heart, meaning "to hold" or "to maintain". When combined, they create a powerful compound where the action of propping something up (支) is reinforced by the action of firmly holding it steady (持), metaphorically extending from physical bolstering to the modern sense of giving support, backing, or endorsement to a person, idea, or cause.