stifle
verb (used with object)
to quell, crush, or end by force: to stifle free expression.
were stifling
-
past progressiveof stifle.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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 credit bureaus complained that Fannie and Freddie were stifling competition.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 15, 2026
It is also a recognition that pandemic measures such as quarantine requirements for travelers were stifling economic activity and eroding the island’s international competitiveness.
From New York Times ● May 9, 2022
The Legislature’s recent efforts directed the board to concentrate on compliance and education after consistent complaints that harsh enforcement efforts were stifling the legal industry.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 1, 2022
Chinese authorities started to show increasing interest in Ant Group in October last year after Mr Ma criticised regulators, suggesting that they were stifling innovation.
From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2021
She spoke quietly; she didn’t declaim or raise her voice; and when a sob shook her, it was muffled almost into a hiccup, as if she were stifling her emotions for the sake of courtesy.
From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman
