畏 wèi fear
fear; dread; awe; reverence
How it came to be
A figure with an oversized, staring head, holding a club. It is a spirit rather than a person, the head drawn wrong on purpose, and what one feels looking at it is the word.
How it is used
- To fear/hold in awe - 畏惧 (wèijù) to dread, 敬畏 (jìngwèi) to revere/hold in awe (a healthy, respectful fear).
- 无所畏惧 (wúsuǒ-wèijù) means fearless; 望而生畏 (wàng'érshēngwèi) to be daunted at the mere sight; 畏首畏尾 (wèishǒu-wèiwěi) means timid and overcautious.