father, rely on

怙 is composed of the radical 心 (heart) and 古 (ancient). 心 refers to one's mental state or feeling of reliance, while 古 is a pictograph of a shield—a solid, durable object that provides protection and support. In ancient times, the father was the pillar of the household, serving as a reliable shield for the family; thus, 怙 was formed to express reliance or dependence, specifically referencing the protection and support provided by a father.