STIFLE

(PREVENT HAPPENING) [verb] [T] - to prevent (something) from happening, being expressed or continuingShe stifled a cough/yawn/scream/cry.I don't know how I managed to stifle my anger.We should be encouraging imagination, creativity and new ideas, not stifling them.The government has stifled all opposition to its plans.These measures will have the effect of stifling competition. He has been accused of attempting to stifle political debate.