stifle

过高的税收可能会扼杀小企业的成长。

High taxes can ___stifle the growth of small businesses.

他努力忍住打哈欠，以免在课堂上显得不礼貌。

He tried to ___stifle his yawn to avoid being rude in class.

这种一成不变的教学方式会扼杀学生的求知欲。

This rigid teaching method will ___stifle students' curiosity.