fal·ter (fôl'tər)
intr.v., -tered, -ter·ing, -ters.

1. To be unsteady in purpose or action, as from loss of courage or confidence; waver. See synonyms at hesitate.
2. To speak hesitatingly; stammer.
3. 1. To move ineptly or haltingly; stumble.
   2. To operate or perform unsteadily or with a loss of effectiveness: The automobile engine faltered.

n.

1. Unsteadiness in speech or action.
2. A faltering sound.

[Middle English falteren, to stagger, possibly from Old Norse faltrask, to be puzzled, hesitate.]

falterer fal'ter·er n.
falteringly fal'ter·ing·ly adv.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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