falter

/ˈfɒltə(r)/verb

To become unsteady, weak, or hesitant; to lose strength or fade away.

Example sentence

“Her voice faltered as she read the sad news aloud.”

Voices, steps, courage, and economies all falter. The word suggests a stumble that may recover, not a full collapse: 'She never faltered.'

Related words

familyPeople connected to one another by birth, marriage, or adoption, especially a set of parents and their children.fallacyA false or misleading idea or appearance; something that tricks the eye or the mind.fancifulComing from the imagination rather than from real life; imaginative or unreal.faithfulStaying loyal and devoted to a person, promise, or cause.fascinateTo hold someone's attention completely by being extremely interesting or attractive.facultyThe teachers and researchers of a school, college, or university, as distinct from its students and support workers.