渎 (dú) - drain, ditch, waterway & to act disrespectfully or irreverently

渎Tone 2

dú ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

丁恩

渎 · dú

drain, ditch, waterway;

to act disrespectfully or irreverently;

to profane or defile.

drain, ditch, waterwayto act disrespectfully or irreverentlyto profane or defile.

Usage highlights

to profane/desecrateto neglect duties/malfeasancedrainage ditchriver channelto show disrespectto blaspheme

Synonyms

  • 亵— to disrespect, to profane
  • 污— to pollute, to defile
  • 渠— ditch, canal

Antonyms

  • 敬— to respect, to revere
  • 尊— to honor, to esteem

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The river channel was dredged (疏渎).
  • He showed disrespect towards his elders (渎职).
  • The ancient text was considered sacred and not to be profaned (亵渎).
  • The irrigation ditch was clogged (沟渎).

Collocations

  • to profane/desecrate(亵渎)
  • to neglect duties/malfeasance(渎职)
  • drainage ditch(沟渎)
  • river channel(河渎)
  • to show disrespect(渎犯)
  • to blaspheme(渎神)

Idioms

  • To profane the gods(渎神)
  • To neglect one's duties(渎职)
  • To show disrespect to superiors(渎犯尊严)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient China, '渎' referred to one of the four major rivers (四渎) that were objects of imperial worship.
  • The character carries negative connotations when used in contexts of disrespect or negligence of duty.
  • Historically associated with water management systems in agricultural societies.

FAQ