Meaning
发动 primarily means to start or initiate something, most commonly an engine or motor. It also means to launch a campaign, mobilize people, or set something significant in motion. The word combines 发 (to emit, send out) and 动 (to move), literally meaning to cause movement or set into motion.
Usage
Native speakers use 发动 in two main contexts: starting vehicles/engines (发动汽车) and initiating large-scale actions like wars, campaigns, or mass movements (发动战争, 发动群众). It suggests deliberate action with significant scope or impact. Less common for casual daily activities.
Examples
- 01他转动钥匙发动了汽车。.He turned the key and started the car.
- 02政府发动了一场反腐败运动。.The government launched an anti-corruption campaign.
Characters
Common collocations
- 发动机engine, motor
- 发动战争to launch a war
- 发动群众to mobilize the masses
- 发动汽车to start a car
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 发 (to release, initiate) with 动 (to move), creating the sense of causing something to begin moving or operating. This reflects both mechanical starting and the initiation of activities.