威

Semantic compound:

戌 (술, “axe, weapon”) — denotes force, weapon, threat.

女 (녀, “woman”) — indicates subjugation or yielding before power.

Thus originally “to threaten with force,” later extended to “majesty, dignity, authority.” Closely connected with 畏 (외, ‘to fear’), with which it was often interchangeable in early texts.

威嚴 (위엄) — dignity, majesty

威力 (위력) — power, might

威脅 (위협) — threat, intimidation

權威 (권위) — authority

威風 (위풍) — imposing presence, majestic bearing

In classical Chinese, emphasized the awe inspired by rulers, armies, or natural forces.