falter

vi.

1. 蹒跚，踉跄；摇晃
   She faltered toward the door in the dark.

   她在黑暗中向门口摇摇晃晃地走去。

2. （声音）颤抖；结巴地说话
   Her voice faltered, and then she lost consciousness.

   她嗓音颤抖，接着她便失去了知觉。

3. 动摇，犹豫；畏缩
   Our hopes will not falter in adversity.

   我们的信心在逆境中也不会动摇。

4. 衰退；衰落

vt.

1. 结巴地讲出[（+out）]
   She faltered out an excuse for being late.

   她结结巴巴地说出迟到的借口。