stifled

Stifled is the past tense and past participle of the verb stifle, and it also functions as an adjective. In its core sense, stifle means to prevent air or breath from passing freely or to restrain, suppress, or smother. Physical uses include a stifled breath, a stifled cough, or a stifled scream, where breath or sound is blocked or impeded.

In figurative usage, stifled describes restraint on expression, emotion, or development. A stifled laugh refers to suppressed amusement; a stifled protest to subdued or censored opposition; a stifled voice to someone unable to speak openly. It can also describe settings with poor ventilation, where airflow is reduced and discomfort results.

Etymology and related terms: The verb originates in English, with senses linked to choking, restricting, and suppressing. Related terms include suppress, restrain, gag, and smother. The noun form stifle also denotes a joint in the hind leg of many mammals, known as the stifle, though this anatomical sense is distinct from the verbal meaning in most contexts.