stifle

[stahy-fuhl] / ˈstaɪ fəl /

VERB

prevent, restrain

Synonyms

STRONGEST

curb muzzle repress silence smother squelch strangle suffocate suppress

STRONG

asphyxiate burke check choke constipate cork extinguish gag hush kill muffle spike squash stagnate stop stultify torpedo trammel

WEAK

black out bring to screeching halt choke back clam up clamp down cover up crack down dry up hold it down hush up put the lid on shut up sit on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

allow encourage free let go loose release

STRONG

aid assist bear begin create help start

WEAK

persuade

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Instead of erecting burdensome bureaucratic roadblocks that would stifle progress, we should encourage responsible innovation that serves human dignity and the common good.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Business and technology groups have opposed the bill, arguing that the new regulations and the right to sue would stifle investment in AI-powered learning tools.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2026

Oatly's general manager for the UK and Ireland, Bryan Carroll, said the case was "a way to stifle competition and is not in the interests of the British public".

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

Rosenior's switch to a three-man central defence allowed Chelsea to stifle Arsenal in a scrappy first half.

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

He had his hand over his mouth to stifle his laughter.

From "The Old Willis Place" by Mary Downing Hahn

Vocabulary lists containing stifle

The Diary of Anne Frank

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"The Tell-Tale Heart," Vocabulary from the short story

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List 5

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