脅

A phonetic–semantic compound consists of:

肉 (⺼) (“flesh, body”) — semantic component

劦 (협, “to join forces”) — phonetic component

The original image suggests pressure applied to the body by combined force, which naturally developed into the idea of threatening or coercing someone.

Semantic development:

- physical pressure on the body

- force applied collectively

- intimidation through power or violence

- abstract threat (psychological, political, legal)

Thus, 脅 moved from bodily coercion to social and psychological intimidation.

威脅 (위협) — threat; intimidation

脅迫 (협박) — coercion; blackmail

脅制 (협제) — to restrain by threat

脅從 (협종) — forced compliance

脅 always implies intentional pressure; neutral persuasion is not expressed with this character.

It carries a strongly negative moral tone.

Modern compounds overwhelmingly use 威脅 and 脅迫.

The body radical emphasizes that threats affect physical safety, even when the threat is psychological.

Related characters:

脇 (U+8107) — “armpit; side of the body”

劦 — phonetic element (“combined force”)

In classical texts, 脅 often implies compulsion by force, especially military or political pressure.

脅而從之 — “to force (someone) into submission by threat”

In Japanese, the characters are strictly separated:

脇 (わき, waki) — armpit; side

脅 (おどす, odosu) — to threaten

In Chinese and Korean, 脅 historically also functioned as a phonetic loan for body-related meanings, but this usage has mostly disappeared.