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stifle
1[ stahy-fuhl ]
/ ˈstaɪ fəl /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object), sti·fled, sti·fling.
to quell, crush, or end by force: to stifle a revolt;to stifle free expression.
to suppress, curb, or withhold: to stifle a yawn.
to kill by impeding respiration; smother.
verb (used without object), sti·fled, sti·fling.
to suffer from difficulty in breathing, as in a close atmosphere.
to become stifled or suffocated.
OTHER WORDS FOR stifle
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Origin of stifle
1First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English from Old Norse stīfla “to stop up, dam,” akin to stīfr “stiff”
OTHER WORDS FROM stifle
sti·fler, nounWords nearby stifle
stiffener, stiff-necked, stiffness, stiff upper lip, stiffy, stifle, stifled, stifling, stigma, stigmasterol, stigmatic
Other definitions for stifle (2 of 2)
stifle2
[ stahy-fuhl ]
/ ˈstaɪ fəl /
noun
(in a horse or other quadruped) the joint between the femur and the tibia, corresponding anatomically to the human knee.
Also called stifle joint .
Origin of stifle
21275–1325; Middle English < ?
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use stifle in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for stifle (1 of 2)
stifle1
/ (ˈstaɪfəl) /
verb
(tr) to smother or suppressstifle a cough
to feel or cause to feel discomfort and difficulty in breathing
to prevent or be prevented from breathing so as to cause death
(tr) to crush or stamp out
Derived forms of stifle
stifler, nounWord Origin for stifle
C14: variant of stuflen, probably from Old French estouffer to smother
British Dictionary definitions for stifle (2 of 2)
stifle2
/ (ˈstaɪfəl) /
noun
the joint in the hind leg of a horse, dog, etc, between the femur and tibia
Word Origin for stifle
C14: of unknown origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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