Main Entry:

¹stag·ger

Pronunciation:

\ˈsta-gər\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

stag·gered; stag·ger·ing \-g(ə-)riŋ\

Etymology:

alteration of earlier stacker, from Middle English stakeren, from Old Norse stakra, frequentative of staka to push; perhaps akin to Old English staca stake — more at stake

Date:

15th century

intransitive verb1 a: to reel from side to side : totter b: to move on unsteadily <staggered toward the door>2: to waver in purpose or action : hesitate3: to rock violently <the ship staggered>transitive verb1: to cause to doubt or hesitate : perplex2: to cause to reel or totter3: to arrange in any of various zigzags, alternations, or overlappings of position or time <stagger work shifts> <stagger teeth on a cutter>

— stag·ger·er \-gər-ər\ noun