stifled cry

USAGE SUMMARY

'stifled cry' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the sound of someone trying to suppress a cry of emotion, such as pain, sorrow, or surprise. For example: She held back her sobs, trying to muffle the stifled cry that threatened to escape.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A minute later Alex hears a stifled cry.

The New York Times

A baby with no feet let out a stifled cry, then died.

The New Yorker

Puddles on pavement and buildings set amidst parks give a sense of wearying labor and burdensome culture that resist the ravages of time — and make sense of the protagonist's stifled cry for a lighter, airier, more ethereal life.

The New Yorker

Where Charles's version is a stifled cry in the night by a man eaten away by a hopeless love, Ms. Maye treats the song as the dramatic monologue of a woman gazing directly into the eyes of a man she secretly desires and delivering the title phrase with a sardonic chuckle.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Stifled cries could be heard from the public gallery as Chua was taken down.

The Guardian

This video shows that it makes no difference whatsoever how much or how little dancing Portman actually did because it reveals, in its brief duration, the extraordinary spectrum of expressions that she brings to the performance (a limited range of precise expressions, each of which suggests a different one of the vast stifled cries that are those of the character).

The New Yorker

This video shows that it makes no difference whatsoever how much or how little dancing Portman actually did — because it reveals, in its brief duration, the extraordinary spectrum of expressions that she brings to the performance (a limited range of precise expressions, each of which suggests a different one of the vast stifled cries that are those of the character).

The New Yorker

There are murmurs, moans and stifled cries for help.

HuffPost

The stifled cries of the nurses and doctors.

Huffington Post

The sleek, cream-painted machine with its knobs and lights; the smell of methylated spirits, rubbed on her temples so that the shock would take; the grey woollen socks she would compulsively wear on treatment days, "to ward off death"; the stifled, choking cries of other patients; and the shock itself, a trap-door dropping open on darkness.

The Economist

Their silence isn't resonant; it's stifled, and stifling.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stifled cry" to vividly portray the sound of someone trying to suppress a cry of pain, fear, or grief, adding depth to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "stifled cry" interchangeably with phrases like "silent scream". A "stifled cry" implies an attempt to suppress sound, whereas a "silent scream" suggests an internal, voiceless expression of intense emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stifled cry" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "stifled" modifies the noun "cry". Ludwig AI validates its correct usage and it's frequently used to describe a suppressed expression of emotion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stifled cry" is a grammatically sound phrase that describes a suppressed expression of emotion, most commonly used in news and media contexts. While not extremely frequent, it adds vividness to descriptions of restrained emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and its ability to evoke feelings of tension and emotional depth. Consider alternatives like "muted cry" or "suppressed sob" for slightly different shades of meaning. When writing, remember that a "stifled cry" implies restraint, distinguishing it from similar expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smothered cry

Suggests the cry is being physically prevented from being heard clearly.

muted cry

Emphasis on the reduced volume or intensity of the cry.

repressed cry

Suggests the cry is consciously held back.

suppressed sob

Specifically indicates a restrained crying sound.

choked sob

Implies difficulty in breathing while crying, restricting the sound.

restrained whimper

Focuses on a quiet, weak sound of distress being held back.

subdued wail

Emphasis on the reduced intensity of a mournful sound.

inaudible cry

The cry is so quiet it can't be heard.

stifled groan

Replaces the cry with a similar sound of pain or distress.

muffled groan

Groan with reduced volume.

FAQs

How can I use "stifled cry" in a sentence?

You can use "stifled cry" to describe a sound that is suppressed or held back. For example, "She let out a "stifled cry" as she stubbed her toe."

What's the difference between "stifled cry" and "muffled cry"?

While both describe a quiet or suppressed sound, "stifled cry" implies an effort to restrain the cry, while "muffled cry" suggests the sound is dampened by something blocking it.

What are some alternatives to "stifled cry"?

Alternatives include "muted cry", "suppressed sob", or "choked sob", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "stifled cry" formal or informal?

"Stifled cry" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly found in written narratives and descriptive passages. Its appropriateness depends on the overall tone and style of the writing.