To suppress, restrain, or prevent the development of something. To make breathing difficult or to suffocate.
From Old French 'estouffer' meaning to suffocate or smother. Germanic origin possibly related to 'stuff.' Medieval sense of physical suffocation expanded to metaphorical suppression of ideas, emotions, or growth.
The word captures both physical and emotional experiences of being unable to breathe freely. Interestingly, we often 'stifle' our own creativity or expression, making ourselves both the oppressor and the victim in the metaphor.
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