meaning of stifle
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. To stop; to extinguish; to deaden; to quench; as, to stifle the breath; to stifle a fire or flame.
4. To suppress the manifestation or report of; to smother; to conceal from public knowledge; as, to stifle a story; to stifle passion.
5. To die by reason of obstruction of the breath, or because some noxious substance prevents respiration.
6. joint between the femur and tibia in a quadruped; corresponds to the human knee
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