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.

"We will vigorously oppose this effort to stifle and intimidate essential reporting," Sinha said.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

Generic competition could influence the extent to which obesity pioneers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly continue to reap a windfall, and stifle the prospects of emerging rivals.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

In a largely symbolic move, the OPEC+ nations announced Sunday that they would slightly increase crude production in June, as the war with Iran continues to stifle the world’s supply of oil.

From MarketWatch • May 3, 2026

Coaches use it as a way to regroup, or simply to stifle the opposition.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

While I thought this was pretty impressive, my friends, some of whom had traveled Europe in a sideshow with Miss Peregrine, could hardly stifle their yawns.

From "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs

Vocabulary lists containing stifle

The Diary of Anne Frank

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

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

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

List 5

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!