Stifle Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of STIFLE

1

[+ object]

a

:

to not allow yourself to do or express (something)

• trying to stifle a cry/yawn
• I had to stifle the desire/urge to yell “Stop!”

b

:

to stop (someone) from doing or expressing something

• Students at the school are stifled by the pressure to score high on tests.

2

[+ object]

:

to make (something) difficult or impossible

• Too many regulations stifle innovation.
• something that stifles the growth of the plant/economy

3

a

[no object]

:

to be unable to breathe easily

• I wish we could go outside instead of stifling in this tiny room.

b

[+ object]

:

to make (someone) unable to breathe or unable to breathe easily

• He was almost stifled by the smoke.