Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

stifle

verb
/ˈstaɪfəl/
Definition
To restrain or suppress an action, feeling, or expression.
Examples
  • He tried to stifle a yawn during the meeting.
  • Her emotions were stifled by her need to appear strong.
  • They feared that the new laws would stifle creativity in the arts.
Meaning
To stifle means to hold back or suppress something, preventing it from being expressed or developed.
Synonyms
  • suppress
  • restrain
  • control
  • muffle
  • choke