block, obstruct, hinder

障 is composed of the radical 阜 (high land) and 章 (seal, badge). 阜 signifies elevated ground, while 章 depicts the action of carving a seal with a cutting tool, carrying the sense of being prominent or clearly marked. Because an obstacle blocking a path stands high above the ground and is conspicuously evident, 障 was formed to denote a barrier or obstruction.