stifled
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈstaɪfəld/
KK: /ˈstaɪfəl/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that has been held back or prevented from developing or being expressed.
Example
Her creativity felt stifled in such a strict environment.
Conversation
I feel like my creativity has been stifled lately.
I get that; sometimes it’s hard to find inspiration.
Yeah, I think I need to change my routine a bit.
That could really help! A fresh perspective might do wonders.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
suppressed
restrained
smothered
Antonyms
unrestrained
free
released
verb
Definition
To stop something from happening or to prevent someone from expressing their feelings or ideas.
Example
She stifled a laugh during the serious meeting.
Tense Forms
Past: stifled
Past Participle: stifled
Conversation
I felt really stifled during that meeting yesterday.
Yeah, it was so long and boring, I could hardly focus.
Exactly! I think the air conditioning was also broken, which made it worse.
Root Explanation
Stifled → It originates from the Old English 'stifian' (meaning to suffocate or choke) and the suffix '-led' (indicating a past action). The word 'stifled' means having been suffocated or choked, often used metaphorically to describe suppressing something.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word for suffocating — when something is 'stifled', it feels like it has been choked or suppressed.
Visually Confused Words
unstifled
stilted
tiled
stile
stipuled
stippled
restifle