stifle — to prevent something from developing or progressing; to suppress or restrain
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to prevent something from developing or progressing; to suppress or restrain
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈstaɪfəl/
Example Sentences
- My mom tried to stifle her laughter when I showed up wearing mismatched socks to the wedding.
- The new company policy will stifle employee motivation and productivity.
- He had to stifle a sneeze during the quiet moment of the classical concert.
stifle
VERB[/ˈstaɪfəl/]
to prevent something from developing or progressing; to suppress or restrain
Suppressing creative expression
Don't stifle learning with rifle noise over a trifle!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English stiflen, possibly derived from Old Norse stifla meaning 'to choke or strangle.' The word may have Scandinavian roots related to suffocation or obstruction.
Breakdown
stifle (root verb) = to choke/suppress, likely from Old Norse stifla (to choke) + -le (frequentative suffix indicating repeated action) = stifle (to repeatedly suppress or prevent)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom tried to stifle her laughter when I showed up wearing mismatched socks to the wedding.”
“The new company policy will stifle employee motivation and productivity.”
“He had to stifle a sneeze during the quiet moment of the classical concert.”
“Excessive bureaucracy tends to stifle innovation in government agencies.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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