Stifled
Verb
Definition: To suppress, restrain, or smother (a feeling, action, or expression).
Synonyms: Suppress, Repress, Suffocate, Restrain
Antonyms: Express, Release, Unleash
Examples:
- She stifled a yawn during the meeting.
- The government's attempts to stifle free speech were met with resistance.
Mnemonics:
- Imagine someone covering their mouth to stifle a laugh.
Etymology:
Origin:
Middle English 'stiflien', from Old English 'stifelian', meaning "to suffocate or choke"
Historical Usage:The word has been used since Middle English, and its origins can be traced back to Old English.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Stifling hot"
Explanation:Used to describe excessively hot and oppressive weather or environment.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Confusing 'stifled' with 'stifling'.
Explanation:'Stifled' is the past tense or past participle form of 'stifle', while 'stifling' is the present participle form. They have slightly different grammatical functions.