阻挠 (zǔnáo) is a transitive verb meaning 'to obstruct,' 'to hinder,' or 'to sabotage' — typically with deliberate, active interference aimed at preventing something from happening or succeeding. The first character 阻 (zǔ) means 'to block' or 'to impede,' often suggesting physical or procedural barriers; the second 挠 (náo) means 'to disturb,' 'to disrupt,' or 'to interfere,' adding a sense of persistent, frustrating intervention. Together, they convey purposeful, often oppositional resistance — not accidental delay but intentional obstruction.

This word is commonly used in formal, political, legal, or organizational contexts: e.g., blocking policy implementation, hindering investigations, or sabotaging negotiations. It carries a moderately negative connotation and implies agency and intent — the subject is usually a person, group, or institution acting against progress, justice, or agreed-upon goals. While it can appear in news reports or official statements, it’s less common in casual speech than simpler verbs like 阻止 (zǔzhǐ) or 阻碍 (zǔ’ài).