stifling
|sti/fling|
/ˈstaɪflɪŋ/
(stifle)
suppress or suffocate
Etymology
'stifling' originates from the verb 'stifle', which comes from Middle English 'stiflen', meaning 'to choke or suffocate'.
'stiflen' transformed into the modern English word 'stifle', and the adjective form 'stifling' was derived from it.
Initially, it meant 'to choke or suffocate', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'causing difficulty in breathing or restricting development'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
causing difficulty in breathing; suffocating.
The stifling heat of the summer made it hard to breathe.
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Antonyms
Adjective 2
restricting or preventing the development of something.
The stifling rules of the organization hindered innovation.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41