falter

Falter is defined as to move in an uncertain way or to hesitate in word or action.

(verb)

An example of falter is to stumble through a dark hallway.

See falter in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb

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

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

transitive verb

to say hesitantly or timidly

noun

Related Forms:

See falter in American Heritage Dictionary 4

intransitive verb fal·tered, fal·ter·ing, fal·ters

To be unsteady in purpose or action, as from loss of courage or confidence; waver. See Synonyms at hesitate.
To speak hesitatingly; stammer.
a. To move ineptly or haltingly; stumble.
b. To operate or perform unsteadily or with a loss of effectiveness: The automobile engine faltered.

noun