攫取 (jué qǔ) — to seize; to grab (often by force or plunder) | TongTong Chinese Dictionary

Definition

Formal, written verb meaning 'to seize or grab,' often by force or for selfish gain. Carries a stronger, more predatory tone than everyday 拿 or 取 — typically used for power, resources, or opportunities.

verb

to seizeto grab (often by force or plunder)

Examples

攫取。
Tā jué qǔ le nà ge nán dé de jī huì.
He seized that rare opportunity.
攫取。
Dí rén jué qǔ le wǒ men de zī yuán.
The enemy seized our resources.
攫取。
Tā jué qǔ quán lì shì wèi le zì jǐ de sī lì.
He seized power for his own personal gain.

Origin

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

攫 (seize) and 取 (take) are parallel actions, together meaning grab away.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

扌矍攫

Meaning part形符xíngfú

扌Written in full as手shǒuhand

Sound part声符shēngfú

矍

矍jué攫⁰jué

Same sound today

攫 pairs 扌 (hand) with 矍, which gives the sound.

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

耳又取

耳耳ěrear
又又yòuhand

取 pairs 又 (hand) with 耳 (ear), showing a hand taking an ear, as in taking the ear of fallen prey.

Appears in

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