stifle
verb (used with object)
to quell, crush, or end by force: to stifle free expression.
has been stifling
-
present perfect progressiveof stifle (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Rossbach: There has to be a realignment of the regulatory framework that has been stifling innovation, impeding competition, and putting many European companies at a disadvantage globally.
From Barron's ● Jan. 9, 2026
The heat has been stifling for many Texans, but deadly for some of those making their way through the hot, barren shrub land where migrants travel to avoid detection from Border Patrol agents.
From New York Times ● Aug. 31, 2023
The heat has been stifling, but only an occasional breeze has allowed for extreme scoring.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 25, 2023
But lack of funds has been stifling innovation and preventing designers from investing in better production.
From Reuters ● Nov. 23, 2022
The life of us three hasn't been beautiful yet; it has been stifling us as if it was weeds...
From Plays by Anton Chekhov, Second Series by Julius West
