n.
Pronunciation: ' st ə m-b ə l
Function: verb
Inflected Form: stum · bled ; stum · bling \ -b( ə -)li ŋ \
Etymology: Middle English, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian dialect stumle to stumble
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1 a : to fall into sin or waywardness b : to make an error : BLUNDER c : to come to an obstacle to belief
2 : to trip in walking or running
3 a : to walk unsteadily or clumsily b : to speak or act in a hesitant or faltering manner
4 a : to come unexpectedly or by chance < stumble onto the truth> b : to fall or move carelessly
transitive verb
1 : to cause to stumble : TRIP
2 : BEWILDER , CONFOUND
– stum · bler \ -b( ə -)l ə r \ noun
– stum · bling · ly \ -b( ə -)li ŋ -l ē \ adverb