1. (v. t.) To stop the breath of by smothering; to choke; to suffocate\; to cause the death of by such means; as, to stifle one with smoke or dust.

2. (n.) 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.

3. (v. t.) To stop; to extinguish; to deaden; to quench; as, to stifle the breath; to stifle a fire or flame.

4. (v. t.) To suppress the manifestation or report of; to smother; to conceal from public knowledge; as, to stifle a story; to stifle passion.

5. (v. i.) To die by reason of obstruction of the breath, or because some noxious substance prevents respiration.

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