Pronunciation: /ˈstaɪflɪŋ/

Definitions of stifling

verb present participle of the verb 'stifle', meaning to suffocate or suppress

Example Sentences

A1 The hot weather was stifling inside the small room.

A2 She stifled a yawn as the boring presentation dragged on.

B1 The strict rules stifled the creativity of the team.

B2 The government's censorship stifled freedom of speech.

C1 The lack of funding is stifling the progress of the research project.

C2 The oppressive regime stifled any form of dissent among the population.

adjective causing difficulty in breathing; suffocating

Example Sentences

A1 The room was stifling hot.

A2 The stifling heat made it hard to breathe.

B1 The stifling regulations made it difficult for small businesses to thrive.

B2 The stifling atmosphere in the office made it hard to concentrate.

C1 The stifling bureaucracy of the government hindered progress.

C2 The stifling social norms of the community stifled individual expression.

Examples of stifling in a Sentence

formal The stifling heat of the room made it difficult to focus on the presentation.

informal I can't stand this stifling weather, I need some fresh air.

slang This party is so stifling, let's go somewhere else.

figurative The stifling atmosphere in the office made it hard to express new ideas.

Grammatical Forms of stifling

past tense

stifled

plural

stiflings

comparative

more stifling

superlative

most stifling

present tense

stifles

future tense

will stifle

perfect tense

has stifled

continuous tense

is stifling

singular

stifling

positive degree

stifling

infinitive

to stifle

gerund

stifling

participle

stifled

Origin and Evolution of stifling

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'stifling' originated from the Old English word 'stiflian' meaning to suffocate or stifle.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'stifling' has evolved to also mean oppressive or overwhelming, in addition to its original meaning of suffocating.