拒む

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 拒む, read こばむ, means refusing to accept something or blocking progress.
• Basic usage: It is used for a gatekeeper refusing entry and figuratively for snow blocking someone’s path.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Scope compared with 断る
  • 断る commonly refers to declining an offer or request. 拒む also expresses strong rejection or obstructed progress, as in 行く手を拒む.