隳

Denotes the collapse or destruction of man-made structures, typically urban fortifications (walls, ramparts, gates) and, by extension, the geopolitical entities they protect. The term implies a loss of structural integrity or the falling down of a mass.

The glyph may function transitively or intransitively:

1. Intransitive: To collapse or crumble (where the subject is a physical structure).

2. Transitive: To demolish or overthrow (where the subject is an agent, such as an army or ruler). In this sense, it often describes the result of a siege rather than the act of striking a blow.

Distinct from generic destruction (破), natural collapse—such as mountains (崩)—and the breaching of dykes or troop lines (潰). While 毀 suggests breaking into pieces or a loss of reputation (slander), this glyph emphasizes the downward collapse of a heavy structure.[/DISTINITIONS]

Fanqie reading: 許規. Tang-period reading: xiuɛ, aligning with Middle Chinese reconstructions for xiū.

Associated with the 邑 (settlement) radical, which ties its meaning to urban fortifications.

The glyph does not inherently distinguish between decay due to age and demolition by force. Contextual descriptors are required: pairing with terms for time or neglect indicates collapse/decay; pairing with terms for attack or siege indicates demolish/overthrow.