stifle Definition
- 1to prevent something from happening or developing properly
- 2to make it difficult for someone to breathe, usually by pressing on their throat
Using stifle: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "stifle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The government's policies are stifling economic growth.
Example
She tried to stifle her laughter during the serious meeting.
Example
The pillow was so heavy that it almost stifled him.
stifle Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with stifle
stifle a yawn
to try to stop oneself from yawning, especially in a situation where it would be impolite or inappropriate
Example
He had to stifle a yawn during the boring lecture.
stifling hot
uncomfortably hot and lacking fresh air
Example
The room was stifling hot and I couldn't wait to leave.
stifle one's creativity
to prevent oneself from expressing one's creative ideas or impulses
Example
The strict rules of the art class stifled her creativity.
Origins of stifle
from Old English 'styful', meaning 'suffocating'
Summary: stifle in Brief
The verb 'stifle' [ˈstaɪfl] means to prevent something from happening or developing properly, or to make it difficult for someone to breathe. It can be used in phrases like 'stifle a yawn,' meaning to try to stop oneself from yawning, or 'stifling hot,' describing an uncomfortably hot and stuffy environment. 'Stifle' can also be used to describe the suppression of creativity, as in 'The strict rules of the art class stifled her creativity.'
