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

Healey told BBC Scotland's The Sunday Show at that time the SNP was engaging in "student union politics" that could stifle innovation and deny young people opportunities.

From BBC

Sally Lambah, head of student support and wellbeing at Wrexham University, argues that social development skills of recent university cohorts were "stifled because they had to stay at home".

From BBC

He also continued to promote free speech, saying the government attempts to stifle voices such as his as “un-American” and “so dangerous.”

From Los Angeles Times

Most teams would struggle to stifle Arsenal's excellent build-up play, but with City tiring, defending deep prevented them from being exposed trying to press Arsenal.

From BBC

The lawsuit said the firm's practices had stifled competitors, and led to higher ticket prices and worse service for customers.

From BBC

Related Words

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