Describes terrain that is dangerously steep and rugged. Often used in literary or descriptive contexts.
The mountain path was steep and rugged, making it difficult to climb.
Refers to a steep, dangerous cliff or slope. More concrete than the adjectival sense.
The climbers faced the precipice.
急峻 also means steep, but is more commonly used and less literary than 険阻.
断崖 specifically means a cliff or bluff, while 険阻 as a noun refers to a steep, dangerous place in general.
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.