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Definition of "falter" []

  • To be unsteady in purpose or action, as from loss of courage or confidence; waver. See Synonyms at hesitate. (verb-intransitive)
  • To speak hesitatingly; stammer. (verb-intransitive)
  • To move ineptly or haltingly; stumble. (verb-intransitive)
  • To operate or perform unsteadily or with a loss of effectiveness: The automobile engine faltered. (verb-intransitive)
  • Unsteadiness in speech or action. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "falter" in a sentence
  • "Two quarterbacks, three sacks, four plays, and I'm wondering, does Tice think the word falter'' applies. real_rick at 10:16 PM August 15, 2011"
  • "Instead, our knee-jerk reactions to the anxiety we experience when our relationships falter is to give up on the challenges of intimacy before we really know what is next."
  • "After two weeks, Iron Man 2 will falter from the top spot to make room for the fourth Shrek film, which should have a huge weekend."