1. in a way that makes breathing difficult or causes discomfort due to lack of fresh air or excessive heat
2. in a way that restricts freedom, creativity, or development
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The classroom was stiflingly hot without air conditioning.
• She found the small apartment stiflingly cramped.
• The humidity made the summer day stiflingly uncomfortable.
• His parents were stiflingly overprotective.
• The corporate environment was stiflingly rigid.
• The air in the basement was stiflingly stale.