Verbs of Helping and Hurting - Verbs for Disruption

Here you will learn some English verbs referring to disruption such as "hinder", "offset", and "repress".

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Verbs of Helping and Hurting

to restrict or reduce the normal activity or function of something

Ex: The teacher strives not to inhibit students ' creativity but encourages free expression .
to curb [verb]

to limit or control by placing restrictions on something

Ex: Traffic laws are designed to curb speeding and enhance road safety .

to consciously control the expression of emotions, desires, or behavior

Ex: He had to suppress the urge to speak out when he disagreed with the decision .

to stop the expression of thoughts, feelings, or actions

Ex: The authoritarian regime sought to repress dissent and opposition .
to cramp [verb]

to limit or stop something from moving or progressing freely

Ex: The small workspace cramped the team 's ability to collaborate effectively .

to create obstacles or difficulties that prevent progress, movement, or success

Ex: A language barrier should not hinder international collaboration .

to make something move or operate more slowly

Ex: The brake system is designed to retard the speed of the car .

to create difficulty or obstacles that make it hard for something to happen or progress

Ex: The language barrier may impede effective communication in a multicultural team .
to check [verb]

to keep something bad under control in order to prevent deterioration or to slow down its spread or development

Ex: The doctor recommended medication to check the progression of the illness .

to gradually decrease the effectiveness, confidence, or power of something or someone

Ex: Ignoring safety protocols can undermine the integrity of a project .

to prevent something from moving or progressing

Ex: Inadequate funding may hamper the development of essential infrastructure .
to stunt [verb]

to stop or slow down the development or growth of something

Ex: Economic downturns can stunt the development of small businesses .

to stop the normal flow of something, often temporarily

Ex: Technical glitches in the software can disrupt a smooth online experience .

to stop or catch before reaching intended destination

Ex: The football player intercepted the pass and ran for a touchdown .

to meddle with or alter something, often with the intention of causing harm or making changes

Ex: He was caught tampering with the machinery , trying to sabotage the production process .

to disrupt or alter the usual order or operation of something

Ex: The arrival of unexpected guests disturbed their evening plans .

to make something uncertain by introducing changes that disrupt its stability

Ex: Rapid climate change can destabilize ecosystems .

to cause sadness or unhappiness in someone

Ex: His rude comments can easily bring down anyone .

to intentionally damage or undermine something, often for personal gain or as an act of protest or revenge

Ex: A competitor may try to sabotage a rival company 's product launch .

to cause the downfall of authority figures or rulers

Ex: Attempts to subvert the monarchy were met with harsh consequences .

to do something to avoid or decrease the harmful or unpleasant effects of something

Ex: Regular exercise can counter the negative impact of a sedentary lifestyle .

to act against something in order to reduce its effect

Ex: Physical exercise is essential to counteract the sedentary lifestyle of office work .

to compensate for the effects of something through appropriate actions or measures

Ex: The company implemented cost-saving measures to offset financial losses .

to take action to counter the effects of something

Ex: If a virus outbreak occurs , health authorities have plans to neutralize its effects swiftly .

to oppose or resist someone or something

Ex: The student 's decision to go against the strict dress code led to a school-wide debate .

to fight or contend against someone or something, often in a physical or armed conflict

Ex: Soldiers are trained to combat enemies on the battlefield .

to resist or defend oneself against an attack or challenge, often by taking action to counter the aggression or difficulty

Ex: In the boxing ring , the champion learned how to fight back against his opponent 's aggressive moves .