First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1stifle
noun sti·fle \ˈstī-fəl\
Definition of STIFLE
: the joint next above the hock in the hind leg of a quadruped (as a horse or dog) corresponding to the human knee — see horse illustration
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Origin of STIFLE
Middle English
2stifle
verb
: to not allow yourself to do or express (something)
: to stop (someone) from doing or expressing something
: to make (something) difficult or impossible
sti·fledsti·fling \-f(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of STIFLE
transitive verb
2
a : to cut off (as the voice or breath) b : to withhold from circulation or expression <stifled our anger> c : deter, discourage
intransitive verb
: to be or become unable to breathe easily <stifling in the heat>
— sti·fler \-f(ə-)lər\ noun
— sti·fling·ly \-f(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb
See stifle defined for English-language learners
See stifle defined for kids
Origin of STIFLE
alteration of Middle English stuflen
First Known Use: 1513
STIFLING Defined for Kids
stifle
verb sti·fle \ˈstī-fəl\
sti·fledsti·fling
Definition of STIFLE for Kids
1
: to cause or have difficulty in breathing <The room was hot and stifling.>
2
: to keep in check by effort <I had to stifle a laugh.>
Medical Dictionary
stifle
noun sti·fle \ˈstī-fəl\
Medical Definition of STIFLE
: the joint next above the hock in the hind leg of a quadruped (as a horse) corresponding to the knee in humans
Illustration of STIFLE
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