obstruct

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is そ, and the kun reading is はばむ. It has 8 strokes. It appears in words for hindering progress and stopping intrusion or damage.
• Basic usage: 阻む is read はばむ and 阻止 is read そし.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 阻む / 阻止
  • 阻む means to block or to hinder and is read はばむ. It describes a tree or lack of funds hindering a path or plan.
  • 倒れた木が登山者の行く手を阻んでいた。 means “A fallen tree blocked the hikers' path.”
  • 阻止 means prevention or to stop and is read そし. It refers to stopping intrusion or preventing damage from spreading.
  • 門番は許可のない者の侵入を阻止した。 means “The gatekeeper stopped unauthorized people from entering.”