Definition of stifle

The word "stifle" originates from the Middle English word "stifelen," which means to choke or suffocate. The Old French word "estiflen" (meaning "to strangle") is the likely source of this Middle English term. The origin of the Old French word is uncertain. Some linguists believe that it derives from the Frankish (a Germanic language spoken by the Merovingian and Carolingian Frankish tribes) word "*steffilōn," which means "to stop up" or "to stop." This etymology would explain the modern English verb's meaning of preventing or stopping. In its earliest usage, "stifle" was primarily employed to describe the act of suffocating or strangling someone. However, by the 14th century, the word's usage had expanded to include preventing or quelling speech or any other kind of expression. Thus, today, "stifle" is used in various senses, such as, stifling a sneeze, extinguishing a fire, stopping a laugh, or preventing any ideas or opinions from being expressed openly. In each instance, the meaning is related to the etymology of the word, denoting that something has been prevented or constrained from being expressed fully.