Stifle

Verb

Definition: To make (someone) unable to breathe properly; suffocate.

Synonyms: Suffocate, Smother, Choke

Antonyms: Breathe, Inhale, Inspire

Examples:

The pillow was used to stifle her cries.
The heavy smoke began to stifle the firefighters.

Mnemonics:

Think of "stifle" as a combination of "stiff" and "suffocate" to remember its suffocating meaning.
Visualize someone holding a pillow tightly over your face, hindering your ability to breathe properly.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English 'styflen', from the Old Norse 'stoppa' (to stop up)

Historical Usage:

"Stifle" has been used since Middle English, primarily to describe the act of stifling or suffocating someone or something.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Stifle a yawn"

Explanation:

To suppress or hold back a yawn, often out of politeness or the need to remain attentive.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "stifle" with "strangle" or "suppress."

Explanation:

While "stifle" can refer to the act of preventing or suppressing something, it specifically connotes a restriction of airflow or breathing, unlike "strangle" or "suppress."