stifle
|sti-fle|
B2
/ˈstaɪfəl/
suppress or suffocate
Etymology
Etymology Information
'stifle' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'stiflen,' where 'stif-' meant 'stiff or rigid.'
Historical Evolution
'stiflen' transformed into the modern English word 'stifle' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to make stiff or rigid,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to suffocate or suppress.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to suffocate or smother, preventing breathing.
The thick smoke stifled the firefighters.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35