splutter

splut·ter (splut′ər)

intransitive verb

to make hissing or spitting sounds, or to throw off particles in an explosive way, as something frying; sputter
to speak hurriedly and confusedly, as when excited or embarrassed

Etymology: var. of sputter

transitive verb

noun

splut′·terer noun splut′·tery adjective

Object

engine: Beneath him the rumble of the engines spluttered into life.
bit: Once he realized that I was not going to let go of his hand he came back and coughed and spluttered a bit.
something: While Tony splutters something incomprehensible about five tests, Peter Caruana, Gibraltar's chief minister, outlines his plans.
mess: It could be a spluttering mess; it was never going to be anything but a spluttering mess.
noise: Hmmm. ' A brief moment of brittle silence was broken by spluttering noises from Mark Turner ( of Track and Classics ) beside me.

Converse of object

make: The rush of air from the cart made each one splutter.

Preposition: into

life: Beneath him the rumble of the engines spluttered into life.

Modifying Another Word

back: Edgar's brave challenge ended when the coil gave way, causing him to splutter back to the pits.
then: On the first bump ( no kick start, still looking for one ) it coughed and spluttered then died.
not: I'm trying to work toward not spluttering with incomprehension because not everyone else shares my tastes.

Noun used with modifier

engine: Another sharp turn of the starting handle and the single cylinder, 700cc engine splutters, coughs and bursts into life.

Followed by an intransitive particle

over: There was one moment, when she spluttered over her glass.
along: This Open House is spluttering along, seeking ways to meet the particular needs of London juniors.

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