隳
to destroy, to overthrow
Strokes18
Readings
On'yomi
- キ
Kun'yomi
- くず.れる
Meaning
隳 centers on causing collapse or ruin: to destroy something or to overthrow a regime. The two given meanings are closely related as physical and political destruction.
Study
Etymology
隳 is a rare character. It visually combines 隋 (a phonetic component) with 灬 (fire), suggesting destruction by fire, but the exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The top part 隋 looks like a structure, and the bottom 灬 is fire. Imagine a building being destroyed by flames underneath—隳 means to destroy or overthrow.
Reading mnemonic
For キ, picture a key being used to unlock a demolition switch: key -> キ, and turning the key destroys the building.