stifle

¹

[ stahy-fuhl ]

verb (used with object)

, sti·fled, sti·fling.

1. to quell, crush, or end by force: to stifle free expression.

   to stifle a revolt;

   to stifle free expression.

   Synonyms: preclude, prevent, put down

   Antonyms: encourage

2. to suppress, curb, or withhold:

   to stifle a yawn.

   Synonyms: check

   Antonyms: encourage

3. to kill by impeding respiration; smother.

   Synonyms: choke, strangle, suffocate

verb (used without object)

, sti·fled, sti·fling.

1. to suffer from difficulty in breathing, as in a close atmosphere.
2. to become stifled or suffocated.

stifle

²

[ stahy-fuhl ]

noun

1. (in a horse or other quadruped) the joint between the femur and the tibia, corresponding anatomically to the human knee.

stifle

¹

/ ˈstaɪfəl /

noun

1. the joint in the hind leg of a horse, dog, etc, between the femur and tibia

stifle

²

/ ˈstaɪfəl /

verb

1. tr to smother or suppress

   stifle a cough

2. to feel or cause to feel discomfort and difficulty in breathing
3. to prevent or be prevented from breathing so as to cause death
4. tr to crush or stamp out

Derived Forms

• ˈstifler, noun

Other Words From

• sti·fler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of stifle¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English from Old Norse stīfla “to stop up, dam,” akin to stīfr “stiff”

Origin of stifle²

1275–1325; Middle English < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of stifle¹

C14: of unknown origin

Origin of stifle²

C14: variant of stuflen, probably from Old French estouffer to smother

Example Sentences

“Commissioner Carr is a warrior for Free Speech, and has fought against the regulatory Lawfare that has stifled Americans’ Freedoms, and held back our Economy,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Sunday.

From Salon

One attendee shakes her head and covers her mouth to stifle an outburst.

From Salon

"While they may generate sympathy and donations, they perpetuate damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa's economic growth, tourism, and investment, ultimately costing the continent trillions and destroying its dignity, pride and identity."

From BBC

Formerly a vocal Democrat, Andreessen has shifted to the right in recent years because of a belief that Trump could help remove regulations that could stifle innovation in artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency.

From Los Angeles Times

A heavy police response has stifled Halloween celebrations in Shanghai, in what many have viewed as an attempt by authorities to crack down on large public gatherings and freedom of expression.

From BBC

Related Words

• curb
• muzzle
• repress
• silence
• smother
• squelch
• strangle
• suffocate
• suppress