2 meanings, 7 uses
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1 —6 uses as in:
stifling the urge
Definition
to suppress (prevent something or decrease its development) — often political freedom
- Stifling her panic, Jennifer focused on the body below her.Thirty-three (97% in)
stifling = suppressing (preventing something from developing further)
Other Uses (with this meaning)
- In the corner, Mabel stifled a laugh.Three (30% in)
- Julie stifled a laugh.Fifteen (77% in)
- She felt the blood drain from her face, and she inhaled sharply, stifling part but not all of the sound with the back of her hand.Twenty-five (79% in)
- He shook his head, stifling a yawn.Thirty-eight (27% in)
- He whimpered again, and Julie stifled her cry.Forty-two (99% in)
There are no more uses of "stifle" flagged with this meaning in The Guardian.
Typical Usage
(best examples)
2 —1 use as in:
the heat is stifling
Definition
to make breathing difficult or impossible — often from heat or humidity
- The air seemed thick and stifling.Thirty-nine (47% in)
stifling = making breathing more difficult — typically due to heat and humidity
There are no more uses of "stifle" flagged with this meaning in The Guardian.
Typical Usage
(best examples)