stifle
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++LDOCE 5++sti·fle /ˈstaɪfəl/ verb 1 [transitive]PREVENT to stop something from happening or developing 抑止，阻止，压制 OPP encourage rules and regulations that stifle innovation 压制创新的规章制度 How can this party stifle debate on such a crucial issue? 该党怎么可以压制对这么一个重要问题的辩论？2 [transitive]PREVENT to stop a feeling from being expressed 强忍住，压抑〔感情〕 He stifled an urge to hit her. 他强忍住冲动，没有打她。stifle a yawn/smile/grin etc I tried to stifle my laughter. 我竭力忍住不笑。3 [intransitive, transitive]BREATHE# if you are stifled by something, it stops you breathing comfortably （使）感到窒息，（使）透不过气来 → suffocate He was almost stifled by the fumes. 他差点被烟熏得窒息了。n I felt like I was stifling in the humid air.n Grammar Stifle is usually passive in this meaning, when used as a transitive verb.→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
stifle• Apparently satisfied, the man leaned back, stifling a choking, coughing fit.• Maria looked away and stifled a giggle.• She stifled a yawn as the boss read out the sales figures.• She leapt to her feet with a cry which was instantly stifled by a mouthful of insects.• Outside the wintry sunlight had been stifled by cloud and Blanche saw pedestrians begin to walk past with glistening umbrellas.• Indications of tangible progress in the late 1930s were stifled by the constraints of war.• One wonders whether that overt gesture really was meant to stifle covert action.• Martial law continues to stifle political debate in the country.• She stifled the urge to scream.stifled ... urge• She stifled an urge to brain her son with it, and instead placed it in the sink.• As he felt Joe begin fumbling with his trousers Michael stifled an urge to slam his fist into Joe's head.Origin stifle (1300-1400) Probably from Old French estouffer “to stifle”sti·fle verb →n GRAMMAR1LDOCE OnlineChineseSyllable
from something Corpus stop or to happening
stifle
sti‧fle /ˈstaɪfəl/
verb
OPP encourage:
rules and regulations that stifle innovation
How can this party stifle debate on such a crucial issue?
2. [transitive] to stop a feeling from being expressed:
He stifled an urge to hit her.
stifle a yawn/smile/grin etc
I tried to stifle my laughter.
3. [intransitive, transitive usually passive] if you are stifled by something, it stops you breathing comfortably ⇨ suffocate:
He was almost stifled by the fumes.
sti‧fle /ˈstaɪfəl/
verb Date: 1300-1400
Origin: Probably from Old French estouffer 'to stifle'
1. [transitive] to stop something from happening or developing Origin: Probably from Old French estouffer 'to stifle'
OPP encourage:
2. [transitive] to stop a feeling from being expressed:
stifle a yawn/smile/grin etc
3. [intransitive, transitive usually passive] if you are stifled by something, it stops you breathing comfortably ⇨ suffocate: