Main Entry: ¹fal·ter

Pronunciation: \ˈfȯl-tər\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): fal·tered; fal·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\

Etymology: Middle English

Date: 14th century

intransitive verb 1 a : to walk unsteadily : stumble b : to give way : totter <could feel my legs faltering> c : to move waveringly or hesitatingly
2 : to speak brokenly or weakly : stammer <her voice faltered>
3 a : to hesitate in purpose or action : waver <he never faltered in his determination> b : to lose drive or effectiveness <the business was faltering>transitive verb : to utter hesitatingly or brokenly

synonyms see hesitate

— fal·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

— fal·ter·ing·ly \-t(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adverb