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 verb 1 a : to reel from side to side : totter b : to move on unsteadily <staggered toward the door>
2 : to waver in purpose or action : hesitate
3 : to rock violently <the ship staggered>transitive verb 1 : to cause to doubt or hesitate : perplex
2 : to cause to reel or totter
3 : 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