Stifling: meaning, definitions and examples

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stifling

[ˈstaɪflɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

weather

Very hot and causing difficulties in breathing; oppressive.

Synonyms

oppressive, suffocating, sweltering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stifling	Best used when describing a situation where there is a lack of air or freedom, making it hard to breathe. It can be used both literally (heat or lack of ventilation) and metaphorically (restrictive environments). The room was so stifling that I could hardly breathe. Her controlling parents created a stifling atmosphere at home.
suffocating	Used to describe conditions where it feels almost impossible to breathe, either because of lack of air or extreme pressure or constraint. This term frequently conveys a strong sense of discomfort or distress. The room was so crowded that it became suffocating. She found his constant attention suffocating.
oppressive	Ideal for describing situations or conditions that feel overwhelmingly harsh or burdensome, often with a sense of prolonged suffering or unfair treatment. This word has a strong negative connotation. The oppressive heat of the desert made traveling unbearable. The government’s oppressive laws restricted their freedom.
sweltering	Best used for describing extreme, oppressive heat that makes people feel uncomfortable or exhausted. This term is specific to describing temperature conditions. They spent the sweltering summer day at the beach. The sweltering heat made it impossible to work outdoors.

Examples of usage

The stifling heat of the summer afternoon made it hard to focus.
She felt stifling in the crowded, stuffy room.
The stifling humidity made it feel like a sauna outside.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

emotions

Make someone feel constrained or oppressed.

Synonyms

constrain, oppress, smother.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stifling	Stifling typically refers to an oppressive lack of ventilation or the feeling of being smothered, often due to heat or tight spaces. It can also describe situations where creativity or freedom is severely restricted. The stifling heat in the room made it unbearable to stay. Her parents' strict rules were stifling her independence.
constrain	Constrain is often used to describe limitations or restrictions imposed by circumstances, rules, or obligations. His busy schedule constrained his ability to spend time with family. The new regulations will constrain the company's growth.
oppress	Oppress has a strongly negative connotation and is often used in contexts involving severe, unjust treatment or control, especially in social, political, or emotional situations. The regime was known to oppress its citizens through censorship and violence. She felt oppressed by the constant criticism from her colleagues.
smother	Smother generally refers to covering closely or excessively, often to the point of suffocation. It can also describe overwhelming someone with attention or affection. The thick blanket of snow smothered the landscape. His mother tended to smother him with concern, which made him feel overwhelmed.

Examples of usage

The strict rules were stifling her creativity.
He felt stifled in the controlling relationship.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'stifle' comes from the Old French 'estouffer,' meaning to smother or suffocate.
Originally, the term referred to preventing the air from moving freely, whether in a physical or metaphorical sense.

Cultural Context

In literature, 'stifling' often describes oppressive environments, like in the works of authors dealing with societal constraints.
Certain musical genres, like blues, express feelings of stifling emotions, illustrating emotional imprisonment.

Environmental Science

Stifling conditions can refer to spaces with inadequate ventilation, leading to discomfort or health issues like lethargy.
Urban areas sometimes experience stifling heat due to the 'urban heat island' effect, where buildings absorb and retain heat.

Psychological Perspective

Stifling environments may lead to increased feelings of anxiety or frustration, impacting mental well-being.
People often describe stifling situations in high-pressure jobs that limit creativity and self-expression.

Cinema

Dramatic films often use 'stifling' settings to create tension and a sense of impending doom or confinement.
Directors may use lighting and close-up shots to represent stifling feelings, enhancing emotional responses from the audience.

Translations

Translations of the word "stifling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sufocante

🇮🇳 दम घोंटने वाला

🇩🇪 erstickend

🇮🇩 mencekik

🇺🇦 душить

🇵🇱 duszący

🇯🇵 息苦しい

🇫🇷 étouffant

🇪🇸 sofocante

🇹🇷 boğucu

🇰🇷 숨막히는

🇸🇦 خانق

🇨🇿 dusivý

🇸🇰 dusivý

🇨🇳 令人窒息

🇸🇮 dušljiv

🇮🇸 kæfandi

🇰🇿 тұншықтыратын

🇬🇪 მახრჩობელი

🇦🇿 boğucu

🇲🇽 sofocante

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,545, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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17542 ode
17543 maneuvering
17544 mentors
17545 stifling
17546 germanium
17547 cupola
17548 entitlements
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