to move unsteadily, as though about to collapse; totter, sway, or reel, as from a blow, fatigue, drunkenness, etc.
to lose determination, strength of purpose, etc.; hesitate; waver
Origin:
ME stakeren < ON stakra, to totter, intens. of staka, to push (for IE base see stake): akin to & prob. infl. in form by MDu staggeren
transitive verb
to cause to stagger, as with a blow
to affect strongly with astonishment, horror, grief, etc.; overwhelm
to set, arrange, or incline alternately, as on either side of a line; make zigzag or alternating: to stagger the teeth of a saw
to arrange (periods of activity, duties, etc.) so as to avoid crowding: to stagger employees' vacations
Aeron. to set or arrange (airfoils, rotors, etc.) so that one is slightly ahead of another
noun
the act of staggering, or reeling, tottering, etc.
a staggered or zigzag arrangement
any of several diseases or toxic conditions of horses, cattle, etc., characterized by a loss of coordination, and by staggering, falling, etc.: often with the