About
The character 螫 is a phono-semantic compound comprising the semantic component 虫, which signifies insects or venomous creatures, and the phonetic component 赦, providing an approximate sound. Its primary meaning is to sting, as in the action of a scorpion or bee injecting venom. Historically, the character was used in classical Chinese with this specific verbal sense, and its etymology directly associates it with the inflictions of poisonous animals. While the phonetic element 赦 carries an independent meaning related to pardon, within 螫 it functions solely as a sound indicator, with the character's semantic focus remaining consistently on the act of stinging.
Etymology Hide
