sti·fle 
/ˈstaɪfəl/ verb
sti·fles; stifled; sti·fling /ˈstaɪfəl/ verb 1 [+ obj] a : to not allow yourself to do or express (something)
▪ trying to stifle a cry/yawn ▪ I had to stifle the desire/urge to yell “Stop!”
b : to stop (someone) from doing or expressing something
▪ Students at the school are stifled by the pressure to score high on tests. 2 [+ obj] : to make (something) difficult or impossible
▪ Too many regulations stifle innovation. ▪ something that stifles the growth of the plant/economy 3 a [no obj] : to be unable to breathe easily
▪ I wish we could go outside instead of stifling in this tiny room.
b [+ obj] : to make (someone) unable to breathe or unable to breathe easily
▪ He was almost stifled by the smoke.
▪ trying to stifle a cry/yawn ▪ I had to stifle the desire/urge to yell “Stop!”
b : to stop (someone) from doing or expressing something
▪ 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/economy
▪ I wish we could go outside instead of stifling in this tiny room.
b [+ obj] : to make (someone) unable to breathe or unable to breathe easily
▪ He was almost stifled by the smoke.
