stifle
verb (used with object)
to quell, crush, or end by force: to stifle free expression.
had been stifling
-
past perfect progressiveof stifle.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Clippers’ defense had been stifling for long stretches in the first half, which in turn allowed them to build momentum in building a 42-24 lead.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 26, 2024
This was new and thrilling, especially compared to my most recent relationship, which had been stifling and lacked chemistry.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 13, 2024
Increased winds Tuesday pushed out a smoke inversion layer that had been stifling the blaze and gave fresh oxygen to the flames, McLean said.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 14, 2022
She foamed red, my best friend, forming the words we had been stifling all night, the spell-bursting ones:
From The New Yorker ● Jun. 1, 2015
Whereupon he smiled and wiped my lips and tucked in the accursed blankets that had been stifling me and which now scraped my unshaven chin.
From The Little Red Foot by Robert W. (Robert William) Chambers
