To stifle is to cut off, hold back, or smother. You may stifle your cough if you don't want to interrupt a lecture or you may stifle the competition if you fear losing. The verb stifle means “to choke, suffocate, drown.” It can describe a claustrophobic feeling, like getting smothered by kisses from your great aunt.

What does it mean by stifled?

(Entry 1 of 2) transitive verb. 1a : to withhold from circulation or expression stifled our anger. b : to cut off (the voice, the breath, etc.)

What does Stiffling mean?

Stiffling. an adjective indicating something suffocating or making someone feel oppressed. The educational programs are too stiffling.