The word 支援 is formed by combining two independent characters, each contributing a core action to create a unified concept. The first character, 支, depicts a hand holding a branch, conveying the idea of "to support" or "prop up". The second, 援, shows a hand pulling something, meaning "to assist" or "pull to safety". When joined, they visually and conceptually merge into a single idea stronger than either part alone: the act of providing bolstering support and hands-on assistance, perfectly capturing the meaning of "to reinforce" or "to back up".