stifling Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun forceful prevention; putting down by power or authority
   quelling; crushing; suppression.
   
   • the suppression of heresy
   • the quelling of the rebellion
   • the stifling of all dissent
2. verb conceal or hide
   muffle; strangle; stifle; smother; repress.
   
   • smother a yawn
   • muffle one's anger
   • strangle a yawn
3. verb smother or suppress
   stifle; dampen.
   
   • Stifle your curiosity
4. verb impair the respiration of or obstruct the air passage of
   stifle; suffocate; asphyxiate; choke.
   
   • The foul air was slowly suffocating the children
5. verb be asphyxiated; die from lack of oxygen
   stifle; suffocate; asphyxiate.
   
   • The child suffocated under the pillow
6. adjective satellite characterized by oppressive heat and humidity
   sulfurous; sultry; sulphurous.
   
   • the summer was sultry and oppressive
   • the stifling atmosphere
   • the sulfurous atmosphere preceding a thunderstorm

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