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.

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

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

Lin posited that Silicon Valley’s resource abundance could stifle development in more efficient architecture.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 24, 2026

At the beginning of last year, many analysts expected new U.S. tariffs to stifle China’s exports and depress growth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026

I stifle the urge to go back to the window and assess my competition.

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon

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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