Definition
荼毒 is a formal, literary verb meaning 'to cause extreme suffering or torment'. It is almost always used with a large group as the object, such as 百姓 (common people) or 生灵 (living beings). Avoid using it for individuals or in casual conversation — it carries strong negative weight and a classical register.
v.
(formal) to cause great sufferingto torment(literary) to persecute (a group of people)
Examples
- 荼毒。Lìshǐ shàng xǔduō bàojūn tú dú bǎixìng.Many tyrants in history tormented the people.
- 荼毒，。Zhànzhēng tú dú shēnglíng, hépíng lái zhī bú yì.War afflicts all living beings; peace is hard-won.
- 荼毒。Tǒngzhìzhě bùnéng yǐ sīyù tú dú mínzhòng.Rulers must not torment the populace for personal desires.
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