definition of
stifling

[1] #1 stifling n. [suppression, crushing, quelling] forceful prevention; putting down by power or authority; "the suppression of heresy"; "the quelling of the rebellion"; "the stifling of all dissent". wn

[2] #2 stifling s. [sultry, sulfurous, sulphurous] characterized by oppressive heat and humidity; "the summer was sultry and oppressive"; "the stifling atmosphere"; "the sulfurous atmosphere preceding a thunderstorm". wn