1. stifle - Noun
2. stifle - Verb
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.
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.
To stop; to extinguish; to deaden; to quench; as, to stifle the breath; to stifle a fire or flame.
To suppress the manifestation or report of; to smother; to conceal from public knowledge; as, to stifle a story; to stifle passion.
To die by reason of obstruction of the breath, or because some noxious substance prevents respiration.
Source: Webster's dictionaryIt is necessary for a Christian to fast, in order to clear his mind, to rouse and develop his feelings, and to stimulate his will to useful activity. These three human capabilities we darken and stifle above all by 'surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life' (Lk. 21:34). John of Kronstadt
War is so unjust and ugly that all who wage it must try to stifle the voice of conscience within themselves. Leo Tolstoy
Conscience is our unerring judge until we finally stifle it. Honoré de Balzac
Everywhere I go, I'm asked if I think the universities stifle writers. My opinion is that they don't stifle enough of them. There's many a best seller that could have been prevented by a good teacher. Flannery O’Connor
The voice of conscience is so delicate that it is easy to stifle it; but it is also so clear that it is impossible to mistake it. Anne Louise Germaine de Staël
If there were no sighing in the world, the world would stifle. Creole Proverb