Stifle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
stifle
[หstaษช.fษl ]
Definitions
to restrict or smother
To stifle means to suppress, restrain, or suffocate something. It can refer to stifling a yawn, stifling a laugh, or stifling creativity. It can also mean to suffocate or smother physically.
Synonyms
restrain, smother, suffocate, suppress.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stifle |
Used when talking about preventing something from growing or being expressed, often feelings or creativity.
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| suppress |
Appropriate when talking about stopping something from being seen or expressed, such as feelings, information, or activities.
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| restrain |
Appropriate when discussing holding back physically, emotionally, or controlling an action.
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| suffocate |
Often used when referring to a lack of air or being unable to breathe, physically or metaphorically, with a strong negative connotation.
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| smother |
Typically used in a context where something is covered completely to the extent of causing harm or discomfort, often with a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- Her laughter was so contagious, I had to stifle my own.
- He tried to stifle a yawn during the boring presentation.
- The oppressive heat seemed to stifle all creativity in the room.
to prevent or inhibit
To stifle can also mean to prevent or inhibit the development or expression of something. It can refer to stifling innovation, stifling dissent, or stifling competition.
Synonyms
constrain, hamper, inhibit, prevent.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stifle |
Used when talking about holding back emotions, creativity, or actions forcefully.
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| prevent |
Best used when describing actions taken to stop something from happening, often before it occurs.
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| inhibit |
Used to describe situations where someone is held back or restrained from acting, often due to psychological reasons.
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| hamper |
Commonly used when an action or process is slowed down or made difficult; can suggest a physical or metaphorical hindrance.
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| constrain |
Appropriate for limiting someone's freedom or ability to act, often due to external pressures or rules.
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Examples of usage
- The strict regulations stifle entrepreneurial spirit.
- They tried to stifle any opposition to their plans.
- Monopolies can stifle healthy competition in the market.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In various works, authors use 'stifle' to depict characters suppressing emotions, adding depth to their struggles.
- Shakespeare often explored themes of suppression in his plays, where characters literally or figuratively stifle their true feelings.
Psychology
- Research suggests that expressing emotions is essential for mental health; stifling them can lead to stress and anxiety.
- Psychological studies show that people who stifle their emotions may experience physical reactions, like headaches or tightness in the chest.
Culture
- In some cultures, people may be taught to stifle their emotions in public to appear composed or respectful.
- Art and music often address themes of stifling one's voice, highlighting the importance of self-expression and authenticity.
Environment
- Stifling growth can be both metaphorical and physical; in gardening, plants that are stifled may not receive enough light or water.
- In discussions about climate change, stifling development in certain areas can affect biodiversity and ecosystems.
Origin of 'stifle'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Middle English 'stiflen,' which meant to suffocate or prevent breathing.
- Related to the Old English 'stifel,' meaning to choke or suffocate, showing a long history of its use in describing restriction.
The word 'stifle' originated from Middle English 'stiflen', which means to suffocate or choke. It has roots in Old English 'stฤซflan' and is related to the word 'stiff'. Over time, the meaning of 'stifle' expanded to include the ideas of suppression and inhibition, reflecting its current usage.
See also: stifling.