Definition of stifle

• n. - The joint next above the hock, and near the flank, in the hind leg of the horse and allied animals; the joint corresponding to the knee in man; -- called also stifle joint. See Illust. under Horse.
• v. t. - To stop the breath of by crowding something into the windpipe, or introducing an irrespirable substance into the lungs; to choke; to suffocate; to cause the death of by such means; as, to stifle one with smoke or dust.
• v. t. - To stop; to extinguish; to deaden; to quench; as, to stifle the breath; to stifle a fire or flame.
• v. t. - To suppress the manifestation or report of; to smother; to conceal from public knowledge; as, to stifle a story; to stifle passion.
• v. i. - To die by reason of obstruction of the breath, or because some noxious substance prevents respiration.