swear, curse

詛 is composed of 言(speech) and 且(and, yet). 言 represents speech or words, while 且 is the pictograph of a chopping board; thus 詛 originally referred to the words spoken while cutting meat. In ancient times, the chopping board was not only used for cutting meat but also to hold sacrificial offerings, so 詛 came to mean making a vow or oath. Additionally, when hating someone intensely, one might wish to chop them into mincemeat; for this reason, 詛 also carries the meaning of cursing or imprecating.