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View synonyms for

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: , ,

    Antonyms:

  2. to suppress, curb, or withhold:

    to stifle a yawn.

    Synonyms:

    Antonyms:

  3. to kill by impeding respiration; smother.

    Synonyms: , ,



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

/ ˈٲɪə /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

stifle

2

/ ˈٲɪə /

noun

  1. the joint in the hind leg of a horse, dog, etc, between the femur and tibia
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈپڱ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • پ·ڱ noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of stifle1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English from Old Norse īڱ “to stop up, dam,” akin to īڰ “sپڴ”

Origin of stifle2

1275–1325; Middle English < ?
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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
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But he argues there are real dangers for governments that stifle the voices of those who have legitimate concerns.

From

After nearly 100 days of Trump in office the options left to stifle our descent into madness and monarchy are dwindling to just that.

From

Human rights groups described the trial as an attempt to stifle dissent.

From

Fred seems to stifle his ambition, content to be a cog in the industry machine rather than somebody turning the wheels.

From

Yang said across-the-board tariffs would stifle his business, but even tariffs limited to China will hurt.

From

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