stifle

1 of 2

verb

sti·​fle ˈstī-fəl 

stifled; stifling ˈstī-f(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

1

a

: to withhold from circulation or expression

stifled our anger

b

: to cut off (the voice, the breath, etc.)

c

: deter, discourage

intended to stifle dissent

2

a(1)

: muffle

(2)

: smother

b

: to kill by depriving of oxygen : suffocate

intransitive verb

: to be or become unable to breathe easily

stifling in the heat

stifler

ˈstī-f(ə-)lər 

noun

stiflingly

ˈstī-f(ə-)liŋ-lē 

adverb

stifle

2 of 2

noun

: the joint next above the hock in the hind leg of a quadruped (such as a horse or dog) corresponding to the human knee see horse illustration

Synonyms of stifle

Verb

• strangle
• choke
• smother
• suffocate

Examples of stifle in a Sentence

Verb

trying to stifle a cry

I had to stifle the desire to yell “Stop!”.

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

Too many regulations stifle innovation.

something that stifles the growth of the plant

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

He was almost stifled by the smoke.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Anna Gomez, the sole Democrat on the FCC, chided the agency for launching an early review of ABC stations’ broadcast licenses, calling it a politically motivated attempt to stifle speech. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026

While some can be overbearingly hot, the hammam here is kept at the perfect temperature with just the right amount of steam, never stifling or claustrophobic. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026

Rudy Gobert followed his inspired Game 2 effort against Nikola Jokic by stifling the three-time MVP again on an ugly 7-for-26 shooting night, and the Timberwolves established a postseason franchise record by allowing the Nuggets just 11 points in the tone-setting first quarter. —CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026

The Loons’ defense stifled Dallas striker Petar Musa, who came into the game leading MLS with nine goals this season. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

alteration of Middle English stuflen

Noun

Middle English

First Known Use

Verb

1513, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2b

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stifle

• hyphal
• rifle
• trifle

Kids Definition

stifle

verb

sti·​fle

ˈstī-fəl

stifled; stifling

-f(ə-)liŋ

1

: to kill by depriving of or die from lack of oxygen or air : smother

2

: to keep in check by deliberate effort : repress

trying to stifle a sneeze

stiflingly

-f(ə-)liŋ-lē

adverb

Medical Definition

stifle

noun

sti·​fle ˈstī-fəl 

: the joint next above the hock in the hind leg of a quadruped (as a horse) corresponding to the knee in humans