Stifle Meaning in English
word
ˈstaɪfəɫ
STY-fuhl
stˈaɪfəl
STY-fuhl
Definition
To stop something from happening or developing, often by force, or to make it difficult for someone to express themselves. It can also mean having trouble breathing because something is preventing air from entering.
Usage & Nuances
Used in both literal (breathing) and figurative (emotion/expression) senses. Common phrases: 'stifle a laugh', 'stifle creativity'. Formal to neutral; not slang. Don't confuse with 'suffocate', which focuses only on breathing.
Spanish: sofocar - reprimirPortuguese (BR): abafar - reprimirPortuguese (PT): sufocar - reprimirChinese (Simplified): 抑制 - 扼杀 - 闷住Chinese (Traditional): 抑制 - 扼殺 - 悶住Hindi: दम घुटना - दबानाArabic: يخنق - يكبتBengali: দমন করা - আটকে রাখা - দম বন্ধ করাRussian: подавлять - душить - сдерживатьJapanese: 抑える - 押し殺す - 息を詰まらせるVietnamese: kiềm chế - bóp nghẹt - làm nghẹt thởKorean: 억누르다 - 억제하다 - 숨막히게 하다Turkish: bastırmak - engellemek - nefesini kesmekUrdu: دبانا - روکنا - گھٹناIndonesian: menahan - membungkam - mencekik
Example Sentences
It's hard to stifle a sneeze.
basic
She tried to stifle her feelings in front of the class.
basic
Smoke can stifle people in a burning building.
basic
He couldn't stifle a laugh when he heard the joke.
natural
Strict rules can stifle students' creativity.
natural
Don't let fear stifle your dreams.
natural