stifle

US /ˈstaɪ.fəl/
UK /ˈstaɪ.fəl/
"stifle" picture
1.

make (someone) unable to breathe properly; suffocate

:
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The thick smoke began to stifle him.
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The heat in the room was enough to stifle anyone.
:
suffocatechokesmotherasphyxiategag
2.

prevent or constrain (an activity or idea)

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The government tried to stifle dissent.
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She managed to stifle a giggle.
:
suppressrestraincurbquashrepresscheckinhibithamperhinderimpede