stifle

Definitions

1. 1noun

   The joint next above the hock, and near the flank, in the hind leg of the horse and allied animals; the joint corresponding to the knee in man; -- called also stifle joint. See Illust. under Horse.

2. 2transitive verb

   To stop the breath of by crowding something into the windpipe, or introducing an irrespirable substance into the lungs; to choke; to suffocate; to cause the death of by such means; as, to stifle one with smoke or dust.

3. 3transitive verb

   To stop; to extinguish; to deaden; to quench; as, to stifle the breath; to stifle a fire or flame.

4. 4transitive verb

   To suppress the manifestation or report of; to smother; to conceal from public knowledge; as, to stifle a story; to stifle passion.

5. 5intransitive verb

   To die by reason of obstruction of the breath, or because some noxious substance prevents respiration.

6. 6noun

   joint between the femur and tibia in a quadruped; corresponds to the human knee

   Synonyms

   knee
7. 7verb

   be asphyxiated; die from lack of oxygen

   "The child suffocated under the pillow"

   Synonyms

   asphyxiatesuffocate
8. 8verb

   smother or suppress

   "Stifle your curiosity"

   Synonyms

   dampen
9. 9verb

   impair the respiration of or obstruct the air passage of

   "The foul air was slowly suffocating the children"

   Synonyms

   asphyxiatechokesuffocate
10. 10verb

    conceal or hide

    "smother a yawn"

    "muffle one's anger"

    Synonyms

    mufflerepresssmotherstrangle