扼
command, dominate, prevent, obstruct
Readings
On'yomi
- ヤク
- アク
Kun'yomi
- おさ.える
Meaning
扼 centers on forcefully controlling or blocking: commanding, dominating, preventing, or obstructing movement or action.
Most common words using 扼
- 切歯扼腕せっしやくわん
being enraged (indignant, impatient); gnashing the teeth and clenching the arms on the breast (in anger or regret)
- 咽喉を扼するいんこうをやくする
to gain control of a key position; to command a key position
- 扼すやくす
to command; to dominate
- 扼するやくする
to command; to dominate
- 扼殺やくさつ
strangulation (with the hands or arms)
- 絞扼こうやく
strangulation; constriction; entrapment
Study
Etymology
扼 combines 扌 (hand) with 厄, which likely contributes both sound and the idea of restraint or obstruction. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
A hand 扌 gripping 厄, a shape suggesting a narrow pass or obstacle. Picture a hand seizing control at a choke point, dominating and preventing passage.
Reading mnemonic
For ヤク, imagine a yak (ヤク) being commanded and prevented from moving by a firm hand on its harness.