殛 (jí) - to put to death & to punish severely

殛Tone 2

jí ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

慧佳

殛 · jí

to put to death;

to punish severely;

to execute;

to strike dead (as by lightning).

to put to deathto punish severelyto execute

Usage highlights

punished by heavenstruck by lightningcapital punishmentexecute a criminaldivine punishmentsevere punishment

Synonyms

  • 诛— to put to death; to execute
  • 杀— to kill
  • 毙— to kill; to die
  • 刑— to punish; punishment

Antonyms

  • 赦— to pardon; to forgive
  • 免— to exempt; to spare
  • 生— to let live; life

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The tyrant was punished by heaven (天殛).
  • He was struck by lightning (遭雷殛).
  • The criminal received capital punishment (殛刑).
  • In ancient texts, rebels were often executed (殛毙).

Collocations

  • punished by heaven(天殛)
  • struck by lightning(雷殛)
  • capital punishment(殛刑)
  • execute a criminal(殛毙)
  • divine punishment(神殛)
  • severe punishment(严殛)

Idioms

  • Punished by heaven and earth(天地殛之)
  • Struck dead by lightning(雷殛而死)
  • Execute to warn others(殛一儆百)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to execution or being struck dead, especially by divine will or natural forces like lightning.
  • In classical texts, often used in contexts of heavenly punishment or severe retribution for grave offenses.
  • Carries a strong connotation of ultimate, often supernatural, justice or vengeance.

FAQ