What does stifle mean?
To stifle is to prevent something from being expressed, heard, or carried out. The word is frequently used for sounds and expressions: a cough, scream, laugh, or yawn may be stifled when someone suppresses it. Figuratively, it describes the blocking of creativity, dissent, individuality, or other forms of development, often with the implication that forceful or oppressive measures are involved. A third, more literal sense means to deprive someone of air by obstructing their breathing; in this sense, stifle is close to suffocate and carries a grave implication. For example, a person might stifle a laugh out of embarrassment, while a rigid institution might stifle experimentation. The word is common in both British and American English and can be used in formal writing as well as conversation. Its strong imagery of suppressing something before it can be fully expressed makes it especially effective when discussing free expression, creativity, and institutional control.
verbTo prevent something from being expressed, heard, or acted upon, or to make someone unable to breathe.
- To stop a sound, cry, laugh, or other expression from being heard.
- To suppress an idea, emotion, form of expression, or activity.
- To prevent someone from breathing by obstructing the airway; suffocate.
"She struggled to stifle a nervous laugh during the serious meeting."
"The thick smoke threatened to stifle the runners at the roadside."
"Schools should not stifle the creative instincts of young students."
To stifle something is to hold it back so firmly that it cannot make itself heard.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stifle come from?
The verb was attested in English by the 16th century and developed from earlier forms associated with Old French words meaning “to plug” or “to stuff.” Its further history is not entirely certain, although the sense of blocking a passage or opening gradually developed into the modern meanings of suppressing expression and obstructing breathing.
Related word forms
How stifle is actually used
The figurative senses are common in formal and informal English. In the sense of preventing breathing, the word is serious and potentially fatal; in figurative use, it often suggests repression of expression, creativity, or dissent.
Easily confused with stifle
A stiff object resists bending or movement, whereas a stiffled sound or action is suppressed.