stifle

verb
UK: /ˈstaɪ.fəl/
US: /ˈstaɪ.fəl/

  1. To prevent something from developing or growing; to hold something back.

    1. Don't stifle your creativity be open to new ideas.
    2. High taxes can stifle economic growth and discourage investment, so tax reform is needed.

  2. To stop someone from breathing by covering their nose and mouth; to suffocate.

    1. The pillow might stifle the baby be careful.
    2. The thick smoke began to stifle them, making it hard to breathe and see.

  3. To suppress or restrain an emotion or impulse.

    1. I tried to stifle a yawn during the meeting.
    2. She had to stifle her laughter when he told the silly joke at dinner party.

Synonyms

suppress smother suffocate repress inhibit curb

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "stifle" in English means: To prevent something from developing or growing; to hold something back., To stop someone from breathing by covering their nose and mouth; to suffocate., To suppress or restrain an emotion or impulse..

The phonetic transcription of "stifle" is /ˈstaɪ.fəl/ in British English and /ˈstaɪ.fəl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "stifle": suppress, smother, suffocate, repress, inhibit, curb.

Example usage of "stifle": "Don't stifle your creativity be open to new ideas.". More examples on the page.