stifle | Definition of stifle

Synonyms and Antonyms of stifle

1 to be or cause to be killed by lack of breathable air

unfortunately, the robbers were stifled when they got trapped in the airless bank vault

Synonyms of stifle

choke, smother, strangle, suffocate

Words Related to stifle

garrote (or garotte), throttle

croak [slang], destroy, dispatch, do in, fell, slay

Near Antonyms of stifle

breathe, exhale, expire, inhale, inspire

resuscitate, revive

2 to refrain from openly showing or uttering

stifled a yawn

Synonyms of stifle

choke (back), hold back, pocket, repress, sink, smother, strangle, submerge, suppress, swallow

Words Related to stifle

control, govern, manage

bridle, check, curb, quash, quell

bottle up, contain

muffle, squelch

Near Antonyms of stifle

express, loose, release, take out, unleash, vent

3 to deaden the sound of

he stifled a cough with his hand

Synonyms of stifle

Words Related to stifle

insulate, soundproof

dampen, mellow, soften, subdue, tone (down)

Near Antonyms of stifle

amplify, boost, deepen, enhance, heighten, increase, magnify, step up, strengthen

Antonyms of stifle