falter Hear it!

falter definition

fal·ter (fôl′tər)

intransitive verb

  1. to move uncertainly or unsteadily; totter; stumble
  2. to stumble in speech; speak haltingly; stammer
  3. to act hesitantly; show uncertainty; waver; flinch to falter under enemy fire
  4. to lose strength, certainty, etc.; weaken the economy faltered

Etymology: ME faltren, prob. < ON, as in faltra(sk), be uncertain

transitive verb

to say hesitantly or timidly

noun

  1. a faltering
  2. a faltering sound

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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