stifle
verb (used with object)
to quell, crush, or end by force: to stifle free expression.
had stifled
-
past perfectof stifle.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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 lawsuit said the firm's practices had stifled competitors, and led to higher ticket prices and worse service for customers.
From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2025
Lunar New Year holiday trips inside China surged 74% from last year after authorities scrapped COVID-19 curbs that had stifled travel for three years, media reported on Saturday.
From Reuters ● Jan. 28, 2023
Mr. Xi began his march toward the party congress more than a year ago, exuding confidence that China had stifled Covid, allowing the country’s economic growth to surge ahead of Western competitors’.
From New York Times ● Oct. 23, 2022
Instead of punting and trusting a defense that had stifled the Bearcat offense on seven previous drives, Kelly went for it, and Thompson-Robinson threw a pass out of the reach of Dymond Lee.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2018
She had had just those desires in her youth and she had stifled them.
From The Squire's Daughter Being the First Book in the Chronicles of the Clintons by Archibald Marshall
