Definition
施法 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to cast a spell' or 'to conjure', commonly used in fantasy contexts like games and novels. It can also carry the older sense of 'to enforce the law', though this usage is rare in modern Chinese. When split, the object 法 separates from the verb 施 with inserted elements: 施了一个法 ('cast a spell'), 施出什么法 ('conjured what spell'). Note that the legal sense (执法) is more often expressed by the standalone compound 执法.
v.o.
(verb-object) to cast a spellto conjure(verb-object) to enforce the law (archaic or legal context)
Examples
- 施法。Fǎshī zhèngzài shī fǎ.The mage is casting a spell.
- 。Tā shī le yí gè qiángdà de fǎ.He cast a powerful spell.
- 施法。Gǔdài guānyuán yǒu shī fǎ zhífǎ de zhízé.Ancient officials had the duty to enforce the law.
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