Definitions

1. verb

to prevent or suppress something, especially a feeling, action, or expression, from being expressed or done

“Her creativity was stifled by the lack of resources.”

2. noun

the act of suppressing or preventing something from being expressed or done

“The stifle of her emotions was evident in her quiet demeanor.”

3. verb (transitive)

to kill or cause to die, especially by strangulation

“The animal was stifled by the rope around its neck.”