STIFLING Meaning and
Definition
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The term "stifling" functions as an adjective, used to describe something that hinders or restricts movement, expression, or progress. It often refers to a sensation of oppressiveness or suffocation, both in physical and metaphorical contexts.
Physically, "stifling" pertains to an environment or atmosphere that lacks proper ventilation or air circulation. It characterizes a place that is excessively hot, humid, or lacking fresh air, causing discomfort and difficulty in breathing. For instance, a poorly ventilated room can be considered stifling due to the overwhelming heat and stuffiness it generates.
Metaphorically, "stifling" suggests a condition where freedom, creativity, or innovation are suppressed or constrained. It signifies a state of confinement, inhibition, or restraint that obstructs personal growth or the development of ideas and opinions. Often associated with oppressive social systems or strict rules and regulations, a stifling environment stifles individuality and divergent thinking.
Furthermore, "stifling" can indicate suppressing emotions or restraining expression. In this sense, it denotes the act of preventing oneself or others from openly expressing feelings or thoughts, leading to a sense of pent-up frustration or suffocation. For example, a stifling society may discourage open discussions about certain topics or impose rigid norms that discourage emotional spontaneity.
Overall, "stifling" relates to the obstruction, constraint, or suffocation of physical or metaphorical aspects, highlighting an environment or situation that limits movement, expression, growth, or creativity.
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Causing a feeling of suffocation.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for STIFLING *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for STIFLING
Etymology of STIFLING
The word "stifling" originated from the Middle English word "stiflien" or "stiflen" which meant "to suffocate or choke". This Middle English term is believed to have evolved from the Old English word "stifelian" which had a similar meaning of "to suffocate or strangle". The root of the word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*stibēną" which meant "to die". Over time, the word "stifling" acquired its current meaning of "causing discomfort or oppression" and is often used to describe something that makes it difficult to breathe or inhibits movement or progress.
Similar spelling words for STIFLING
- staff line,
- stifled,
- stiffler,
- stoplight,
- Steffler,
- stabilising,
- stabilizing,
- stifle,
- Stoffel,
- stuffily,
- stabling,
- stifler,
- stiffly.
Conjugate verb Stifling
CONDITIONAL
I
would stifle
we
would stifle
you
would stifle
he/she/it
would stifle
they
would stifle
FUTURE
I
will stifle
we
will stifle
you
will stifle
he/she/it
will stifle
they
will stifle
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have stifled
we
will have stifled
you
will have stifled
he/she/it
will have stifled
they
will have stifled
PAST
I
stifled
we
stifled
you
stifled
he/she/it
stifled
they
stifled
PAST PERFECT
I
had stifled
we
had stifled
you
had stifled
he/she/it
had stifled
they
had stifled
PRESENT
I
stifle
we
stifle
you
stifle
he/she/it
stifles
they
stifle
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have stifled
we
have stifled
you
have stifled
he/she/it
has stifled
they
have stifled
I
am stifling
we
are stifling
you
are stifling
he/she/it
is stifling
they
are stifling
I
was stifling
we
were stifling
you
were stifling
he/she/it
was stifling
they
were stifling
I
will be stifling
we
will be stifling
you
will be stifling
he/she/it
will be stifling
they
will be stifling
I
have been stifling
we
have been stifling
you
have been stifling
he/she/it
has been stifling
they
have been stifling
I
had been stifling
we
had been stifling
you
had been stifling
he/she/it
had been stifling
they
had been stifling
I
will have been stifling
we
will have been stifling
you
will have been stifling
he/she/it
will have been stifling
they
will have been stifling
I
would have stifled
we
would have stifled
you
would have stifled
he/she/it
would have stifled
they
would have stifled
I
would be stifling
we
would be stifling
you
would be stifling
he/she/it
would be stifling
they
would be stifling
I
would have been stifling
we
would have been stifling
you
would have been stifling
he/she/it
would have been stifling
they
would have been stifling
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