trấn yểm

Definition

Verb (archaic):
- To suppress or ward off using talismans: Refers to the ritualistic practice, typically performed by sorcerers or geomancers, of using charms, spells, or occult objects to subdue, repel, or neutralize malevolent spirits, demons, or negative spiritual forces.
- To exorcise or pacify spiritually: The act of controlling or calming a harmful supernatural presence or influence through mystical means.

Usage Examples

Verb:
- Thầy phù thủy dùng bùa phép để trấn yểm ma quỷ trong ngôi nhà cũ. (The sorcerer used magic charms to ward off the demons in the old house.)
- Người ta tin rằng có thể trấn yểm năng lượng xấu bằng các vật phẩm phong thủy. (People believe one can suppress bad energy with feng shui items.)

Advanced Usage

This term is primarily used in historical, folkloric, or superstitious contexts. It often implies a deliberate, hidden, or secretive act of spiritual counter-measure, sometimes for protection, sometimes for a more aggressive purpose like cursing or controlling a location or person.
In modern discourse, it can be used metaphorically to describe the act of secretly suppressing or neutralizing an opponent's influence or a problem, though this is less common.

Variants and Related Words

Trấn (v): to pacify, to subdue, to guard (often used in compounds related to control, e.g., trấn an - to reassure, trấn giữ - to garrison).
Yểm (v): to suppress secretly, to cast a spell on, to jinx (often carries a negative or covert connotation).
Yểm bùa (v): to use a charm/spell to jinx or suppress someone.

Synonyms

To exorcise: To drive out an evil spirit.
To ward off: To prevent something harmful from affecting someone or something.
To subdue (spiritually): To bring under control by occult means.

Related Concepts

Phong thủy (Feng Shui): The practice often involves methods to channel good energy and may include concepts similar to for correcting negative influences.
Bùa chú: Talismans and incantations, which are the primary tools used in the act of .