Describes terrain that is dangerously steep and rugged. Often used in literary or descriptive contexts.
Refers to a steep, dangerous cliff or slope. More concrete than the adjectival sense.
The mountain path was steep and rugged, making it difficult to climb.
The climbers faced the precipice.
Standard kanji spelling.
Rare variant using older kanji forms.
Compound of 険 (steep, dangerous) and 阻 (obstruct, block). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination conveys the idea of terrain that is both steep and difficult to traverse.