The kanji 忌 generally conveys the idea of avoiding something due to a sense of aversion, fear, or ritual impurity. It often implies a feeling of dread or being wary of something that is considered undesirable or dangerous. It can also relate to restrictions or taboos.

・On-yomi (音読み): キ (ki) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): い（む） (imu), きら（う） (kirau)

⚫︎ 忌日 (kichijitsu) Translation: Anniversary of a death ⚫︎ 忌み嫌う (imikirau) Translation: To abhor; to detest ⚫︎ 忌避 (kihi) Translation: Avoidance; aversion

The kanji 忌 is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字; けいせいいんじ). It combines the semantic component 心 (kokoro), meaning "heart" or "mind," with the phonetic component 己 (onore), which contributes to the sound and suggests the idea of "oneself" or "self." The original meaning of 忌 likely developed from the concept of a "heart" that avoids or fears something. The character's evolution reflects this idea of aversion, prohibition, and keeping something at a distance.