faltered

verb (used without object)

1. to hesitate or waver in action, purpose, intent, etc.; give way: Her courage did not falter at the prospect of hardship.
2. to speak hesitatingly or brokenly.
3. to move unsteadily; stumble.

verb (used with object)

4. to utter hesitatingly or brokenly: to falter an apology.

noun

5. the act of faltering; an unsteadiness of gait, voice, action, etc.
6. a faltering sound.

verb

1. (intr) to be hesitant, weak, or unsure; waver
2. (intr) to move unsteadily or hesitantly; stumble
3. to utter haltingly or hesitantly; stammer

noun

4. uncertainty or hesitancy in speech or action
5. a quavering or irregular sound

v.

mid-14c., of unknown origin, possibly from a Scandinavian source (cf. Old Norse faltrask “be burdened, hesitate, be troubled”), or a frequentative of Middle English falden “to fold,” influenced by fault. Related: Faltered; faltering.