Stifle

Sti′fle (stī′f'l), n. [From Stiff.] (Far.) 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.

Stifle bone, a small bone at the stifle joint; the patella, or kneepan.

Sti′fle, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Stifled; p. pr. & vb. n. Stifling.] [Freq. of OE. stif stiff; cf. Icel. stīfla to dam up.] 1. 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.

Stifled with kisses, a sweet death he dies. Dryden.

I took my leave, being half stifled with the closeness of the room. Swift.

2. To stop; to extinguish; to deaden; to quench; as, to stifle the breath; to stifle a fire or flame.

Bodies . . . stifle in themselves the rays which they do not reflect or transmit. Sir I. Newton.

3. To suppress the manifestation or report of; to smother; to conceal from public knowledge; as, to stifle a story; to stifle passion.

I desire only to have things fairly represented as they really are; no evidence smothered or stifled. Waterland.

Sti′fle (stī′f'l), v. i. To die by reason of obstruction of the breath, or because some noxious substance prevents respiration.

You shall stifle in your own report. Shak.