Here's why:
* Stifled implies something is being prevented from developing or growing. It's like a fire being choked by lack of air.
* Encouraged means to promote or support something. It's the opposite of stifled.
* Continued means to carry on without stopping. While it could be related to a stifled action, it doesn't necessarily mean the action was prevented.
Example:
* "The government's policies stifled innovation in the tech sector." (Innovation was prevented from growing)
Let me know if you have any other words you'd like to clarify!