畏 wèi fear
fear; dread; awe; reverence
How it came to be
形声 · Meaning + sound
One part gives the meaning, the other gives the sound.
Originally: spirit
The oldest form is a ghost holding a stick; the ghost part also gives the sound.
用法
- To fear/hold in awe: 畏惧 (wèijù) to dread, 敬畏 (jìngwèi) to revere/hold in awe (a healthy, respectful fear).
- 无所畏惧 (wúsuǒ-wèijù) means fearless; 望而生畏 (wàng'érshēngwèi) to be daunted at the mere sight; 畏首畏尾 (wèishǒu-wèiwěi) means timid and overcautious.