stifle
/ˈstaɪfl; `staɪfl/ v
1 [I, Tn] feel or make (sb) unable to breathe (easily) because of lack of fresh air; suffocate 感到窒息; 使（某人）不能（顺畅）呼吸
We were stifling in that hot room with all the windows closed. 我们在那间关著窗户的热屋子里, 简直透不过气来.
a baby stifled by a pillow 被枕头捂住无法呼吸的婴儿
The smoke filled the room and almost stifled the firemen. 屋里浓烟弥漫呛得消防队员喘不过气来.
2 [Tn] extinguish (a fire); put out 熄灭（火）; 扑灭
stifle flames with a blanket 用毯子扑灭火焰.
3 [Tn] suppress (sth); restrain 镇压（某事物）; 遏制
stifle a rebellion 平息叛乱
stifle a yawn, laugh, cry, sob, etc 忍住哈欠、 笑、 哭、 抽泣等
(derog 贬) stifle ideas, initiative 压制思想、 主动性.