鬱
ウツ, うっ.する, ふさ.ぐ, しげ.る

gloom, depression, melancholy

JLPT0 G7 S29 F5000

The upper element is an obsolete character combining 缶 bulging earthenware jug/vase + an abbreviated form of 棥 (twist vegetation). The lower element is another obsolete character, this one composed of 冖 cover over yet another obsolete character combining 鬯 aromatic herbs and 彡 pattern. Given the meanings conveyed by 鬱 and those of cognate terms, it may be supposed that the original idea was to create a rich brew by grinding aromatic herbs and, after mixing with alcohol, sealing the brew in a container → *dense/luxuriant* growth; *pervasiveness* (← rich brew) → *flourishing*. Also, *mood*, *gloom*, *melancholy* and *depression* (← dense atmosphere ← rich brew). A variant form, 欝, is equally opaque.

[Full Kanji Etymology List]