Definitions

lìn used in 蹂躪|蹂躏[róu lìn]

Etymology phono-semantic

foot

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "躏", denoting the act of trampling or oppressing, derives from its traditional form "躪", which is structurally composed of the semantic radical "足" representing the foot and the phonetic component "藺" that historically supplied its pronunciation. This construction inherently tied the character to physical actions of crushing or stamping underfoot. Over time, the character underwent a structural modification where the intricate phonetic element was simplified to "蔺", thereby reducing stroke count while maintaining the original phonetic and semantic associations. Its meaning, initially concrete in describing physical violation, gradually expanded to encompass metaphorical notions of abuse and subjugation, reflecting a semantic broadening that retained the core idea of forceful imposition without departing from its etymological roots in the concept of trampling.

Example Sentences Hide

战争蹂了土地。

Zhànzhēng róulìnle tǔdì.

The war ravaged the land.

他的心灵被蹂了。

Tā de xīnlíng bèi róulìnle.

His heart was trampled on.

侵略者蹂了这个国家。

Qīnlüèzhě róulìnle zhège guójiā.

The invaders ravaged this country.

灾难蹂了这座城市多年。

Zāinàn róulìnle zhè zuò chéngshì duō nián.

The disaster ravaged this city for many years.

贫穷蹂着他们的生活。

Pínqióng róulìnzhe tāmen de shēnghuó.

Poverty is trampling on their lives.

暴风雨蹂了海岸,留下了一片狼藉。

Bàofēngyǔ róulìnle hǎi'àn, liúxiàle yīpiàn lángjí.

The storm ravaged the coast, leaving a mess behind.

如果战争继续,更多土地将被蹂

Rúguǒ zhànzhēng jìxù, gèng duō tǔdì jiāng bèi róulìn.

If the war continues, more land will be ravaged.

历史上的殖民主义曾无情地蹂过许多弱小民族。

Lìshǐ shàng de zhímín zhǔyì céng wúqíng de róulìnguò xǔduō ruòxiǎo mínzú.

Colonialism in history once ruthlessly ravaged many weak nations.