隤

The failure of structural, elevated, or earthen objects, such as walls, ramparts, towers, and mountains. This extends metaphorically to the collapse of political entities, dynasties, or defense systems—specifically those intended to be firm and enduring.

Intransitive verb describing a state of failure or the process of crumbling; in narrative sequences, it often marks the final stage of decay.

Contrast with 崩 (bēng), which typically implies a sudden, violent crash or catastrophic systemic failure (often used for the death of a sovereign). Contrast with 墜 (zhuì), which refers to the act of dropping from a height rather than the collapse of the structure itself.

Semantic variant: 塌 (U+58A4), which became the standard term for "collapse" in later texts; early contexts for 隤 carry a stronger association with desolation and abandoned fortifications. Simplified variant: U+2CBCE.

The 阝 (fù, mound/embankment) radical specifies that the collapse pertains to something structural or earthen.