Ideographic: Words 言 that must not be broken 折; 折 also provides the pronunciationRadical:

meaning for shì:

  • - oath
  • - vow
  • - to swear
  • - to pledgeto swear an oath (of office)
  • - to make a vowto vow
  • - to pledge
  • - to swearto pledge
  • - to promise
  • - oath
  • - vowto pledge one's lifeoath
  • - pledge