vi to die by reason of obstruction of the breath, or because some noxious substance prevents respiration.
2. stifle ·vt to suppress the manifestation or report of; to smother; to conceal from public knowledge; as, to stifle a story; to stifle passion.
3. stifle ·vt to stop; to extinguish; to deaden; to quench; as, to stifle the breath; to stifle a fire or flame.
4. stifle ·noun 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.
5. stifle ·vt 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.