The phrase "builds a fire under" is often used to express the idea of motivating or inspiring someone to take action. However, there are several antonyms for this phrase, meaning words that convey the opposite meaning. Some of these include "discourages," "stifles," "deters," "demotivates," and "disincentivizes." These words suggest hindering or preventing someone from taking action or achieving a goal. They can be used to describe situations where a person may feel uninspired or unmotivated, or when external forces are acting against their efforts. By understanding the antonyms of "builds a fire under," we can better understand the range of emotions and experiences that surround motivation and productivity.