intimidate, dignity, majesty, menace, threaten
威 centers on an imposing presence that commands respect or fear: the power to intimidate, menace, or threaten, and the resulting dignity or majesty.
威 combines 戌 (a weapon or halberd) with 女 (woman), suggesting authority or power imposed by force. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the combination likely conveyed intimidation or majesty.
A woman 女 under a halberd 戌 projects an intimidating, majestic presence—like a queen whose dignity alone can menace and threaten.
For イ, imagine an eagle (イーグル) soaring with majestic dignity, intimidating smaller birds below: eagle -> イ.
threat; menace
authority; power; influence; prestige
power; might; authority; influence
threat; intimidation; menace
power; authority; might; influence; dignity; majesty
coercion; overpowering; overawing; daunting
dignity; majesty; solemnity; gravity
power; might; authority; influence
god's majesty; god's authority; might of Heaven
fury; power; menace
prestige; dignity
power; authority; influence
to put on airs; to act big; to throw one's weight about; to be overbearing; to be domineering; to be bossy; to be pushy; to be proud; to be haughty; to be arrogant; to swagger; to boast; to brag
majesty; dignity
demonstration; show of force
national prestige
(pitcher's) stuff
dignified appearance; majestic appearance; imposing appearance
virtue and influence; virtue and authority
China threat theory