1 [T] to stop sth happening, developing or continuing 扼杀；阻止；抑制: Her strict education had stifled her natural creativity. 她所受的严厉教育方式扼杀了她天生的创造力。to stifle a yawn/cry/giggle 忍住呵欠╱哭╱笑

2 [I,T] to be or to make sb unable to breathe because it is very hot and/or there is no fresh air （使）窒息，无法呼吸 · Richard was almost stifled by the smoke. 理查德德差点被烟窒息。 ➔stifling /ˈstaɪflɪŋ ||; ˈstaɪflɪŋ/ adj The heat was stifling. 热得令人窒息。