阻挡 is a transitive verb meaning 'to obstruct' or 'to hinder' — it describes the act of physically or figuratively blocking something from proceeding, moving, or happening. The first character 阻 (zǔ) means 'to impede' or 'to prevent', often implying resistance or opposition; the second character 挡 (dǎng) means 'to block' or 'to shield', emphasizing a physical or forceful barrier. Together, they form a compound that stresses active interference — not just passive absence, but deliberate intervention to stop progress.

This word is commonly used in both literal and abstract contexts: for example, a fallen tree may 阻挡道路 (block the road), while bureaucracy might 阻挡 innovation (hinder innovation). It often appears with objects like 道路 (road), 进展 (progress), 视线 (line of sight), or 改革 (reform). It carries a neutral-to-slightly negative tone and is standard in formal and informal speech, though less common in casual daily chat than simpler verbs like 挡 or 阻止.