stifle

¹

[stahy-fuhl]

verb (used with object)

stifled, stifling 

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

   to stifle a revolt;

   to stifle free expression.

   Synonyms: put down, preclude, prevent, prevent
   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)

stifled, stifling 

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 /

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

stifle

²

/ ˈstaɪfəl /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

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

Origin of stifle²

C14: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Critics of Measure ULA claim that the tax has stifled commercial development and slowed sales.

From Los Angeles Times

“This administration is dedicated to removing burdensome, outdated, one-size-fits-all regulations that not only put people and livelihoods at risk but also stifle economic growth in rural America,” Rollins said Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times

Vaccines to combat new pathogens or new versions of existing pathogens can be engineered quickly, allowing them to be rolled out to stifle pandemics before they even emerge.

From Los Angeles Times

She added: "For too long, they've been stifled by clunky, outdated rules. We're binning them, to protect pavement pints, al fresco dining and street parties - not just for the summer, but all year round."

From BBC

England boss Wiegman must come up with a gameplan to stifle a Spain side used to bossing the ball and controlling the game.

From BBC

Related Words

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