Stifling

/ˈstaɪflɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To restrain or suppress an action or feeling.

He tried to stifle his laughter during the serious meeting.

To suffocate or prevent from breathing.

The smoke from the fire began to stifle the occupants of the building.

adjective

Making one feel constrained or oppressed; suffocating.

The stifling heat in the room made it hard to concentrate.

Restricting or suppressing a feeling or action.

Her stifling sense of responsibility prevented her from enjoying the moment.

Middle English, from Old English 'stiflan' meaning to suffocate or choke.

stifling heat

excessive heat that makes it difficult to breathe or concentrate.

stifling competition

competition that is intense to the point of overwhelming.

suffocating

causing a lack of air or breathing space.

oppressive

unjustly inflicting hardship and constraint.

constricting

making something narrower or tighter.

Very hot or uncomfortable.

Man, this party is so stifling, I can't handle it!

Something that feels limiting or suppressive.

That meeting was totally stifling, we need some fresh ideas!