Word
stifled
Phoneticssti·fled, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstaɪfəɫd/
UK/stˈaɪfəld/
Definition
v. to stop something from growing or developing by making it too strict or tight. You use this when a person or a situation is prevented from being free or successful.
v. to suppress or hinder the growth, development, or expression of something. Often used in the passive voice to describe a lack of freedom or a restrictive environment.
Examples
“The strict rules stifled the students' creativity.”
“The company's rigid hierarchy stifled innovation, making it difficult for new ideas to reach the board.”
“Economists argue that excessive government regulation can sometimes stifle the very market forces it is designed to protect, leading to long-term stagnation.”
Examples
simple
“The strict rules stifled the students' creativity.”
contextual
“The company's rigid hierarchy stifled innovation, making it difficult for new ideas to reach the board.”
complex
“Economists argue that excessive government regulation can sometimes stifle the very market forces it is designed to protect, leading to long-term stagnation.”
Real-World Examples
“We have just a few hours to get as much information as we can on huge stories like this before videos are scrubbed and voices stifled.” “This can leave people stuck and stifled with anxiety.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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