obstruct, hinder, block
阻止（そし）、阻む（はばむ）
prevention, to obstruct
On-reading (ソ) is used in compounds; kun-reading (はば(む)) is used standalone or with okurigana. Has multiple meanings (obstruct; hinder; block). Context determines which applies — pay attention in reading passages. This kanji forms verbs/adjectives with okurigana. Practice both the word form and compound forms.
From the JLP Quiz question bank — the word in the form it is actually tested in.
こうした社会的雰囲気は、イノベーションや多様な視点の共存を阻害する要因とも指摘される。
Answer: 同調圧力によって個性や異論が抑制されるという現象を具体的に表すため
「阻む」の読み方は？
Answer: はばむ
