stumble

Definition

A fall, trip or substantial misstep.

Etymology

Ultimately from Proto-Germanic *stam- (“to trip up; to stammer, stutter”), thereby related to German stumm (“mute”), Dutch stom (“dumb”). Doublet of stammer. Also related to verb in Dutch stommelen (“to walk silently”).

Example Sentences

• "I went to his aid. As he said, a board in the floor was loose. His stepping on it unawares had caused his stumble."
• "She owns up to early stumbles, such as bottles being mislabeled."
• "From the ground, Colombo’s port does not look like much. Those entering it are greeted by wire fences, walls dating back to colonial times and security posts. For mariners leaving the port after lonely nights on the high seas, the delights of the B52 Night Club and Stallion Pub lie a stumble away."