·vi To die by reason of obstruction of the breath, or because some noxious substance prevents respiration.
II. Stifle ·vt To suppress the manifestation or report of; to Smother; to conceal from public knowledge; as, to stifle a story; to stifle passion.
III. Stifle ·vt To Stop; to Extinguish; to Deaden; to Quench; as, to stifle the breath; to stifle a fire or flame.
IV. 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.
V. 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.