flutter

1 a sudden and usually temporary growth of activity the site saw a flutter of construction last month, but nothing's happening now Synonyms burst, flare, flare-up, flash, flicker, flurry, outbreak, outburst, spurtRelated Words recrudescence, recurrence, renewal; binge, jag, spree; boost, increase, pickup, upswing, upturn; epidemic, eruption, explosion, paroxysm; deluge, flood, rush, spate, surge, volley; commotion, furor, uproarNear Antonyms calm, doldrums, slump

2 chiefly British  a risky undertaking most people regard the lottery as a harmless flutter Synonyms adventure, chance, crapshoot, enterprise, flier (also flyer), gamble [chiefly British], speculation, throw, ventureRelated Words bet, hazard, stake, wager; liberty; dark horse, long shot, playAntonyms sure thing

1 to make an irregular series of quick, sudden movements a lonely butterfly fluttering across the lawn Synonyms dance, dart, flick, flicker, flirt, flitter, flit, zipRelated Words dash, fly, sail, shoot, speed, sprint, zing, zoom; scamper, scud, scurry, scuttle, skip, skitter; meander, ramble, roam, wanderNear Antonyms float, hang, hover

2 to move or cause to move with a striking motion fluttered my eyelashes as I struck up a conversation with the new guy at work Synonyms beat, flail, flop, flap, whipRelated Words bang, batter, buffet, knock, pound, smack, spank, thump; flick, flicker, flit; fan, oscillate, sway, swing; undulate, wave; palpitate, pulse, throb