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
intended to stifle dissent
: 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
Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 31 Dec. 2025
The Hurricanes’ defense has been stifling.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
The Seattle defensive line — regarded as one of the best run-stopping units in the league — stifled Hubbard (four carries, 12 yards) and Rico Dowdle (11 attempts, 59 yards) all game, too.
—Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez, Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025
Administrative red tape stifles growth Beyond direct financial costs, small business owners are struggling with a sudden increase in bureaucratic red tape.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stifle
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Verb
Today, Colorado faces high health and home insurance rates, poor road conditions, business-stifling overregulation, state budget shortfalls, and rising electricity and heating costs.
—Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 31 Dec. 2025
The Hurricanes’ defense has been stifling.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
The Seattle defensive line — regarded as one of the best run-stopping units in the league — stifled Hubbard (four carries, 12 yards) and Rico Dowdle (11 attempts, 59 yards) all game, too.
—Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez, Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025
Administrative red tape stifles growth Beyond direct financial costs, small business owners are struggling with a sudden increase in bureaucratic red tape.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Dec. 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 3 Jan. 2026.
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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