The word 维护 is formed by combining two characters whose core meanings conceptually merge to create a new, unified idea. The first character, 维, carries the fundamental sense of "to tie" or "to connect", implying the action of holding things together and keeping them in order. The second, 护, means "to protect" or "to shield". When fused, the compound 维护 embodies the integrated concept of actively sustaining and defending an existing state or system, like keeping connections intact (维) while actively shielding them (护), to mean "to maintain" or "to safeguard", as in maintaining order or upholding rights.