stifle

[US]/ˈstaɪfl/
[UK]/ˈstaɪfl/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

vt. suffocate; suppress

vi. be suffocated; be suppressed

n. (of a horse, etc.) the joint of the hind leg

Phrases & Collocations

stifle a yawn

stifle creativity

stifle laughter

stifle a protest

stifle a cough

stifle innovation

stifle a sneeze

stifle emotions

stifle dissent

Example Sentences

she stifled a giggle.

The smoke stifled the fireman.

The gas stifled them.

those in the streets were stifled by the fumes.

she stifled a desire to turn and flee.

an overdone theme tends to time-lock a setting and stifle imagination.

stifled my indignation.See Synonyms at suppress

The stifle joints must point in the line of travel, not outward resulting in a bowlegged appearance nor hitching in under the dog.

Yet it is also essential that nations resist the temptation to overcorrect by imposing regulations that would stifle innovation and choke off growth.

You can imagine her mixed emotions while striving to stifle her amusement and at the same time to understand that the poor rushee had never smoked before.

Real-world Examples

They say more regulations on AI programming will only stifle innovation.

Source: VOA Standard English_ Technology

So, hopefully my height doesn't stifle anything.

Source: Connection Magazine

Janeen could barely stifle her laughter.

Source: CNN 10 Student English March 2023 Collection

Critics of President Maduro are calling the latest anti-hate law a tool to stifling dissent.

Source: VOA Video Highlights

It's backbreaking work often performed in stifling heat and humidity.

Source: Insect Kingdom Season 2 (Original Soundtrack Version)

I don't mean... I didn't mean to stifle you.

Source: Friends Season 6

“HE'S ALIVE! ” were stifled at once.

Source: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

To his surprise, Ron stifled a snigger.

Source: 2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

They argued the case was part of a campaign to stifle opposition voices.

Source: PBS English News

Harry stifled a yawn behind his hand.

Source: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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