Meaning : Equivocate

equivocate:

• To use equivocal language intentionally.
• To avoid making an explicit statement. See synonyms at lie

Middle English equivocaten, from Medieval Latin aequivocāre, aequivocāt-, from Late Latinaequivocus, equivocal.

Meaning of the word : Stultifying

Stultifying :

• To render useless or ineffectual; cripple.
• To cause to appear stupid, inconsistent, or ridiculous.
• Law To allege or prove insane and so not legally responsible.

I cam across this word while reading the article " Lexington : The hub nation" from The Economist

usage : Ethnic networks have drawbacks. If they are a means of excluding outsiders, they can be stultifying.