to quell, crush, or end by force

to stifle a revolt; to stifle free expression.

to suppress, curb, or withhold

to stifle a yawn.

to kill by impeding respiration; smother.

to suffer from difficulty in breathing, as in a close atmosphere.

to become stifled or suffocated.

verb

encourage , help , persuade

verb

asphyxiate , black out , bring to screeching halt , burke , check , choke , choke back , clamp down , clam up , constipate , cork , cover up , crack down , curb , dry up * , extinguish , gag , hold it down , hush , hush up , kill * , muffle , muzzle , put the lid on , repress , shut up , silence , sit on * , smother , spike , squash , squelch , stagnate , stop , strangle , stultify , suffocate , suppress , torpedo * , trammel , hold back , hold down , quench , throttle , dampen , deaden , mute , ban , inhibit , interrupt , restrain