restrain oneself; bind oneself
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesverb
to restrain oneself; to exercise self-discipline
literaryLiterary term indicating strict self-control and moral discipline. Often used in formal or written contexts.
Jūn君
zǐ子
dāng当
shù束
shēn身
zì自
ài爱
，
bù不
fàng放
zòng纵
sī私
yù欲
。
A gentleman should restrain himself and practice self-respect, not indulging selfish desires.
Tā他
wéi为
rén人
yán严
jǐn谨
，
shǐ始
zhōng终
yǐ以
shù束
shēn身
zì自
lǜ律
yāo要
qiú求
zì自
jǐ己
。
He is a strict and rigorous person, always demanding self-discipline from himself.
verb
to bind oneself (as a gesture of submission or penance)
archaicClassical usage referring to the act of tying oneself up to show submission, remorse, or readiness for punishment.
Zhàn战
bài败
zhī之
jiàng将
shù束
shēn身
qǐng请
zuì罪
，
yǐ以
qiú求
zhǔ主
gōng公
kuān宽
shù恕
。
The defeated general bound himself and asked for punishment, seeking his lord's forgiveness.
Gǔ古
rén人
yǒu有
cuò错
zé则
shù束
shēn身
guī归
zuì罪
，
bù不
tuī推
wěi诿
tā他
rén人
。
Ancient people, when at fault, would bind themselves and accept blame, not shifting responsibility to others.