Stifle /(?)/

1. The joint next above the hock, and near the flank, in the hind leg of the horse and allied animals; the joint corresponding to the knee in man; -- called also stifle joint. See Illust. under Horse. (Far.)

imp. & p. p. Stifled; p. pr. & vb. n. Stifling

1. To stop the breath of by crowding something into the windpipe, or introducing an irrespirable substance into the lungs; to choke; to suffocate; to cause the death of by such means; as, to stifle one with smoke or dust.

   Stifled with kisses, a sweet death he dies.

   I took my leave, being half stifled with the closeness of the room.

2. To stop; to extinguish; to deaden; to quench; as, to stifle the breath; to stifle a fire or flame.

   Bodies . . . stifle in themselves the rays which they do not reflect or transmit.

3. To suppress the manifestation or report of; to smother; to conceal from public knowledge; as, to stifle a story; to stifle passion.

   I desire only to have things fairly represented as they really are; no evidence smothered or stifled.

1. To die by reason of obstruction of the breath, or because some noxious substance prevents respiration.

   You shall stifle in your own report.