While both “stifle” and “smother” involve suppression or restriction, they have distinct connotations and usage patterns.
To Stifle
Definition
To suppress, restrain, or prevent something from occurring or developing; to stop or control a sound or expression.
Connotation and Usage
- Often implies intentional suppression or restraint
- Frequently used for emotions, sounds, or actions
- Can suggest a more temporary or immediate act of suppression
- Often used in contexts of personal or social control
Usage Examples
- Literature: “She stifled a laugh as the clumsy waiter stumbled with the tray.”
- Formal writing: “The government’s attempts to stifle dissent only fueled further protests.”
- Casual conversation: “I had to stifle my yawn during the boring meeting.”
Common Collocations
- stifle a yawn
- stifle creativity
- stifle innovation
To Smother
Definition
To overwhelm or suppress completely; to cover entirely, often to the point of suffocation.
Connotation and Usage
- Implies a more complete or overwhelming suppression
- Often carries a sense of excessive control or oppression
- Can be used literally (to cover completely) or figuratively (to overwhelm emotionally)
- Frequently associated with affection when used positively
Usage Examples
- Literature: “The thick fog smothered the city, obscuring even the tallest buildings.”
- Formal writing: “The company’s bureaucracy threatened to smother any innovative ideas from employees.”
- Casual conversation: “My grandmother tends to smother us with affection whenever we visit.”
Common Collocations
- smother with kisses
- smother with attention
- smother a fire
Comparison
- Degree of suppression: “Stifle” often implies partial or temporary suppression, while “smother” suggests a more complete or overwhelming suppression.
- Intentionality: “Stifle” frequently implies intentional restraint, whereas “smother” can be intentional or unintentional.
- Physical vs. Emotional: Both can be used for physical or emotional contexts, but “smother” is more commonly used for physical covering or overwhelming affection.
- Duration: “Stifle” often refers to a more immediate or short-term action, while “smother” can imply a longer-lasting or more pervasive effect.
- Positive usage: “Smother” can sometimes be used positively in the context of affection, while “stifle” is rarely used positively.