About
The character "衅", originating from the traditional form "釁", finds its etymology in early ritual practices where it specifically referred to the smearing of blood upon ceremonial objects like bells or altars during acts of consecration or oath-binding. Its structural composition, incorporating semantic elements suggestive of a vessel and a division, visually echoed this practice of anointing and symbolic separation. Over time, the term's meaning shifted from this physical ritual act to a more abstract sense, metaphorically representing the breaking of a covenant or the initiation of a rift, which consequently led to its modern semantic field centered on provocation, discord, and the stirring of conflict.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
不要挑衅你的朋友。
他们经常寻衅滋事。
这次争吵的衅端很小。
他的挑衅行为引起了冲突。
避免衅端是维护和平的关键。
国际社会谴责这种挑衅性的言论。
寻衅斗殴者将受到法律的严惩。
通过对话解决争端，而不是挑衅对方。