stifle

Word family

sti·fle /ˈstaɪfəl/ verb

1 [transitiveT]PREVENT to stop something from happening or developing 抑止，阻止，压制 OPP encourage

rules and regulations that stifle innovation

压制创新的规章制度

How can this party stifle debate on such a crucial issue?

该党怎么可以压制对这么一个重要问题的辩论？

2 [transitiveT]PREVENT to stop a feeling from being expressed 强忍住，压抑〔感情〕

He stifled an urge to hit her.

他强忍住冲动，没有打她。

stifle a yawn/smile/grin etc

I tried to stifle my laughter.

我竭力忍住不笑。

3 [intransitiveI, transitiveT]BREATHE# if you are stifled by something, it stops you breathing comfortably （使）感到窒息，（使）透不过气来 → suffocate

He was almost stifled by the fumes.

他差点被烟熏得窒息了。

n I felt like I was stifling in the humid air.

n Grammar

Stifle is usually passive in this meaning, when used as a transitive verb.

Examples from the Corpus

stifle• Apparently satisfied, the man leaned back, stifling a choking, coughing fit.• Maria looked away and stifled a giggle.• She stifled a yawn as the boss read out the sales figures.• She leapt to her feet with a cry which was instantly stifled by a mouthful of insects.• Outside the wintry sunlight had been stifled by cloud and Blanche saw pedestrians begin to walk past with glistening umbrellas.• Indications of tangible progress in the late 1930s were stifled by the constraints of war.• One wonders whether that overt gesture really was meant to stifle covert action.• Martial law continues to stifle political debate in the country.• She stifled the urge to scream.

stifled ... urge• She stifled an urge to brain her son with it, and instead placed it in the sink.• As he felt Joe begin fumbling with his trousers Michael stifled an urge to slam his fist into Joe's head.

Origin stifle

(1300-1400) Probably from Old French estouffer “to stifle”

sti·fle verb →n GRAMMAR1

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