The antonyms of the phrase "gives a boost to" can be "hinders," "stagnates," "slows down," "impairs," "restrains," and "inhibits." These words represent the opposite meaning of boosting and refer to things that negatively impact performance or progress. Where the phrase "gives a boost to" evokes a sense of energy and positivity, the antonyms carry a sense of negativity and decline. It's essential to consider these antonyms when describing the effects of certain situations, practices, or behaviors. They can help you create a more accurate and balanced picture of a situation and identify potential areas of improvement.