First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1falter
verb fal·ter \ˈfȯl-tər\
: to stop being strong or successful : to begin to fail or weaken
: to begin to walk or move in an unsteady way
: to feel doubt about doing something
fal·teredfal·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of FALTER
intransitive verb
1
2
: to speak brokenly or weakly : stammer <her voice faltered>
3
a : to hesitate in purpose or action : waver <he never faltered in his determination> b : to lose drive or effectiveness <the business was faltering>
transitive verb
: to utter hesitatingly or brokenly
— fal·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun
— fal·ter·ing·ly \-t(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adverb
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Origin of FALTER
Middle English
Related to FALTER
Synonym Discussion of FALTER
hesitate, waver, vacillate, falter mean to show irresolution or uncertainty. hesitate implies a pause before deciding or acting or choosing <hesitated before answering the question>. waver implies hesitation after seeming to decide and so connotes weakness or a retreat <wavered in his support of the rebels>. vacillate implies prolonged hesitation from inability to reach a firm decision <vacillated until events were out of control>. falter implies a wavering or stumbling and often connotes nervousness, lack of courage, or outright fear <never once faltered during her testimony>.
2falter
noun
FALTERINGLY Defined for Kids
falter
verb fal·ter \ˈfȯl-tər\
fal·teredfal·ter·ing
Definition of FALTER for Kids
1
: to move unsteadily : waver
2
: to hesitate in speech
3
: to hesitate in purpose or action
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