stam|mer

stam|mer «STAM uhr», verb, noun.

–v.i.

to repeat the same sound in an effort to speak; hesitate in speaking; speak haltingly, as from nervousness or embarrassment. Example: I s-s-see a d-d-dog. »

Stammering was relieved when the stammerer was prevented from monitoring his own speech (Science News Letter).

–v.t.

to utter in this way: »

to stammer an excuse.

–n.

a stammering; stuttering: »

He has a nervous stammer.

╂[Old English stamerian]

–stam´mer|er, noun.

–stam´mer|ing|ly, adverb.

Synonym Study intransitive verb. Stammer, stutter mean to speak in a stumbling or jerky way, pausing and repeating sounds. Stammer suggests painfully effortful speaking with breaks or silences in or between words, especially through fear, embarrassment, or emotional disturbance. Stutter suggests a habit of repeating rapidly or jerkily the same sound, especially initial consonants (s, p, etc.).