shake, sweep away

盪 is composed of 湯 (hot water) and 皿 (vessel). 湯 refers to boiling water, while 皿 signifies a container. Thus, 盪 depicts boiling water in a vessel, where the steam causes the vessel to shake or vibrate. Additionally, places scalded by boiling water become barren, with no grass growing, so 盪 also carries the meaning of sweeping away.