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to lobotomize creativity

to lobotomize creativity

9.9
To stop someone from thinking of new ideas
  • phrasal verb
  • /ləˈbɑːtəˌmaɪz kriˈeɪtɪvɪti/
  • Informal
translation icon : diluir la creatividad
  • Some managers unintentionally lobotomize creativity by micromanaging every detail of their team's work.

Examples

  • Rigid corporate cultures can lobotomize creativity in talented employees.

  • Many schools lobotomize creativity by enforcing strict rules.

  • She was determined not to let negativity lobotomize creativity in her art.

  • Don't lobotomize creativity in the classroom!

  • Rigid corporate cultures can lobotomize creativity in talented employees.

  • Some managers unintentionally lobotomize creativity by micromanaging every detail of their team's work.

  • Many schools lobotomize creativity by enforcing strict rules that limit students' freedom to express themselves.

Synonyms

to suffocate
vsto lobotomize creativity
53 5.7

To feel limited and unable to grow or express yourself

is stronger meaning severe long term reduction in original thinking due to disempowerment
to lobotomize
vsto lobotomize creativity
  • US
4 9.4

Make people or groups unable to think clearly and work well

is specific to deep loss of original thinking caused by restrictions
to stifle innovation
vsto lobotomize creativity
2 6.8

Prevent new ideas and methods from growing in a company or group

is more about stopping original thought and imagination rather than only new methods
to suffocate someone's creativity
vsto lobotomize creativity
7.2

Stop someone from thinking of new ideas

is deeper and longer loss of original thinking caused by restrictions
to zombify creativity
vsto lobotomize creativity
  • Informal
9.9

Make someone's ability to think of new ideas slow and dull

is more about loss caused by restrictions and disempowerment than mere dullness

Antonyms

837 3.2

Cause someone to feel excited and ready to act

155 3.5

To care for and encourage someone or something to grow

How Restricted

to lobotomize creativity
  • Informal
9.9
to constrain
64 5.6

Surface Forms

lobotomized creativity past participle
lobotomizing creativity present participle
lobotomizes creativity third person singular

Morphology

lobotomize + creativity

The verb 'lobotomize' (to make thinking or creativity duller) applied to 'creativity' yields the meaning 'to severely diminish creative abilities' in a directly compositional way. Although 'lobotomize' is metaphorical (from a surgical term), the action-on-NOUN pattern is straightforward and a B1 learner who knows both words can derive the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Lobotomize creativity comes from the image of a 'lobotomy', an old operation where doctors cut part of the brain and people often became dull and less able to feel or imagine. So, to lobotomize creativity means to make someone's creative power very weak.