Businesses are being stifled by a lot of new laws. 许多公司正在受到很多新法规的束缚。
an attempt to stifle innovation/debate/democracy 抑制革新/讨论/民主的企图
She had to stifle a smile when they appeared. 他们出现的时候她不得不强忍住笑容。
He stifled the urge to scream. 他抑制住想大叫的冲动。