Literal:
* The thick smoke stifled her breathing, making it hard to escape the burning building.
* The heavy blanket stifled the baby's cries, muffling the sound.
Figurative:
* The oppressive regime stifled any dissent or free speech.
* Her excitement was stifled by her boss's indifference to her ideas.
* The lack of funding stifled the project's development.
* Her laughter was stifled by the sudden realization of the seriousness of the situation.
Sentence Examples:
* A wave of nausea stifled her, forcing her to stop and take a deep breath.
* The heavy silence in the room stifled any attempt at conversation.
* Her curiosity was stifled by the fear of asking the wrong question.
* The government's policies stifled economic growth and innovation.