The word "腐败" is formed through the combination of two characters, "腐" and "败", both of which independently convey notions of decay and deterioration. "腐" typically refers to physical rotting, such as in spoiled food, while "败" suggests decline or ruin, often in broader contexts. When merged, these characters reinforce each other, creating a compounded meaning that extends beyond mere physical decay to encompass moral and systemic corruption, thus encapsulating the idea of degenerative collapse in both material and abstract realms. This formation leverages semantic synergy to vividly express the concept of corruption as a pervasive and destructive force.