/'staɪfl; `staɪfl/
v
1 [I, Tn] feel or make (sb) unable to breathe (easily) because of lack of fresh air; suffocate 感到窒息; 使（某人）不能（顺畅）呼吸
*We were stifling in that hot room with all the windows closed. 我们在那间关着窗户的热屋子里, 简直透不过气来.
* a baby stifled by a pillow 被枕头捂住无法呼吸的婴儿
* The smoke filled the room and almost stifled the firemen. 屋里浓烟弥漫呛得消防队员喘不过气来.
2 [Tn] extinguish (a fire); put out 熄灭（火）; 扑灭
*stifle flames with a blanket 用毯子扑灭火焰.
3 [Tn] suppress (sth); restrain 镇压（某事物）; 遏制
*stifle a rebellion 平息叛乱
* stifle a yawn, laugh, cry, sob, etc 忍住哈欠、笑、哭、抽泣等
* (derog 贬) stifle ideas, initiative 压制思想、主动性.

v
[Date: 1300-1400; Origin: Probably from Old French estouffer 'to stifle']
[T]
to stop something from happening or developing
≠ encourage
　rules and regulations that stifle innovation
　How can this party stifle debate on such a crucial issue?
[T]
to stop a feeling from being expressed
　He stifled an urge to hit her.
stifle a yawn/smile/grin etc
　I tried to stifle my laughter.
[I,T usually passive]
if you are stifled by something, it stops you breathing comfortably
　He was almost stifled by the fumes.