stifles
|sti-fles|
🇺🇸
/ˈstaɪfəl/
🇬🇧
/ˈstaɪf(ə)l/
(stifle)
suppress or suffocate
Etymology
'stifle' originates from Old English, specifically the verb 'stifian' which meant 'to suffocate' or 'to choke'.
'stifle' appeared in Middle English as 'stiflen' or 'stiflen', derived from Old English 'stifian', and later developed into the modern English 'stifle'.
Initially, it meant 'to suffocate' or 'to choke'; over time it also came to be used figuratively to mean 'to suppress or restrain' (e.g., feelings or expression), which is a main modern sense.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the stifle: the large joint in the hind leg of a quadruped (comparable to the human knee).
The vet examined the horse's stifles for any signs of injury.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to suppress or restrain (an action, feeling, or expression); to prevent something from developing or being expressed.
The law stifles creativity in many small businesses.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
to make someone unable to breathe properly; to suffocate or cause breathlessness.
Thick smoke stifles the campers inside the tent.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/09/14 20:11