stifled; stifling
ˈstī-f(ə-)liŋ 
1
a
: to withhold from circulation or expression
stifled our anger
b
: to cut off (the voice, the breath, etc.)
c
: deter, discourage
: to be or become unable to breathe easily
stifling in the heat
: 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
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
Fiona Simpson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Detractors argue the current system enforces outdated policies, stifles institutional innovation, and advances a liberal agenda, often through mandates tied to DEI initiatives.
—Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025
An extreme heat wave could harm turnout New York City is in the midst of a severe heat wave, with temperatures well above 90 degrees and the city's stifling summer humidity.
—Ben Adler, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Some observers fear that vague criteria could confuse applicants and serve as a way for the government to stifle speech critical of the administration or misaligned with U.S. policy.
—Julia Shapero, The Hill, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stifle
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Verb
Franchising does not need to stifle creativity, or be faceless and lacking in personality - in fact a strong and collaborative franchise network can be a fantastic melting pot of ideas to fuel innovation and growth which benefits both franchisor and franchisee.
—Fiona Simpson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Detractors argue the current system enforces outdated policies, stifles institutional innovation, and advances a liberal agenda, often through mandates tied to DEI initiatives.
—Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025
An extreme heat wave could harm turnout New York City is in the midst of a severe heat wave, with temperatures well above 90 degrees and the city's stifling summer humidity.
—Ben Adler, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Some observers fear that vague criteria could confuse applicants and serve as a way for the government to stifle speech critical of the administration or misaligned with U.S. policy.
—Julia Shapero, The Hill, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stifle
Cite this Entry
“Stifle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stifle. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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