Crossword Genius

Obstruct, confine or stifle (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dampen

'stifle' is the definition.
(I know that stifle can be written as dampen)

'obstruct confine' is the wordplay.
'obstruct' becomes 'dam' (damming is a kind of obstructing).
'confine' becomes 'pen' (I've seen this in another clue).
'dam'+'pen'='DAMPEN'

'or' is the link.

(Other definitions for dampen that I've seen before include "get a bit wet" , "Moisten" , "Make slightly moist, or discourage" , "Stifle" , "Make moist or depressed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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