stifled sob

USAGE SUMMARY

"stifled sob" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a suppressed or muffled cry or sound of distress. Example: She couldn't hold back the emotions any longer and let out a stifled sob before composing herself and continuing with her speech.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"He's my boyfriend," said Elaine Jadacki, 42, turning away with a stifled sob.

The New York Times

That miscue, Manchester wrote, "was like a catch in your voice, or a swiftly stifled sob".

The New York Times

That stifled sob gives Mr. Smith's lyrics an enviable urgency, whether as a sigh of ecstasy or an anguished lament.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Ms. Alvarez continues: "Of course, she wanted to go to Bellevue/ where the world was safe, the grates familiar,/ the howling not unlike her stifled sobs".

The New York Times - Arts

On many evenings the actors not only feel the emotional impact of the play, they hear it, too, in the chorus of stifled sobs from reverent theatergoers, who seem to hang on every word.

The New York Times

"They could tell I was gay," he told me, through stifled sobs, looking out over the Beirut cityscape.

BBC

I had never watched a movie in a theatre where there was mass crying — not discreet nose-blowing, or stifled sniffles, but wracking sobs.

The New Yorker

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

The New Yorker

I detonate around him again and again, round and round, as my orgasm rips me apart, scorching through me like a wildfire consuming everything, my body pulsating and shaking …" As will yours, I guarantee, listening to Ms Battoe's bottomless coffer of stifled gasps, ullulating, moans, strangled shrieks, panting sobs, and so on.

The Guardian - Books

He remained stifled, shy.

Independent

The feeling of being stifled and anxious.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stifled sob" to convey a sense of restrained emotion, where the character is trying to suppress their sadness or grief but not entirely succeeding. This can add depth and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "stifled sob" when you want to describe intense grief that is openly expressed. "Stifled" implies restraint, so ensure the context reflects a character's attempt to contain their emotion, rather than expressing it fully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stifled sob" functions as a noun phrase, where "stifled" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "sob". It describes a specific type of crying that is suppressed or restrained. The Ludwig AI examples illustrate how it's used to depict emotional distress that is not fully expressed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stifled sob" is a grammatically correct and relatively rare expression used to describe a suppressed or restrained cry. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly found in News & Media, aiming to convey a sense of contained sadness or grief. While alternatives like "suppressed cry" or "muffled weeping" exist, "stifled sob" offers a specific nuance suggesting an active attempt to hold back tears. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the intention of portraying restrained emotion rather than openly expressed grief.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suppressed cry

Emphasizes the act of holding back a vocal expression of emotion.

choked cry

Focuses on the constricted nature of the sound due to strong emotion.

muffled weeping

Highlights the sound quality of the crying, focusing on its reduced volume.

smothered whimper

Focuses on a quieter and weaker expression of sorrow.

repressed tears

Shifts the focus from sound to the physical manifestation of sadness being held back.

muted lament

Emphasizes a restrained expression of sorrow or mourning.

subdued grief

Indicates a quieter, less outwardly expressive experience of sorrow.

contained sadness

Highlights the act of keeping one's sadness under control.

inner anguish

Focuses on the internal emotional distress rather than its outward expression.

swallowed emotion

Suggests the act of holding back strong feelings, preventing any outward display.

FAQs

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

You can use "stifled sob" to describe someone trying to suppress their crying. For example: "She turned away, a "stifled sob" escaping her lips as she heard the news."

What are some alternatives to "stifled sob"?

Alternatives include "suppressed cry", "muffled weeping", or "choked cry". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "stifled sob" imply about the person experiencing it?

It suggests they are attempting to control or hide their sadness or grief, often unsuccessfully. There's an element of internal conflict and vulnerability.

Is "stifled sob" a formal or informal expression?

"Stifled sob" is a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans towards literary or descriptive writing rather than casual conversation.