stagger

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stag·ger / ˈstagər/ • v. 1. [intr.] walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall: he staggered to his feet, swaying a little. ∎  fig. continue in existence or operation uncertainly or precariously: the council staggered from one crisis to the next. ∎ archaic waver in purpose; hesitate. ∎  archaic [tr.] (of a blow) cause (someone) to walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall: the collision staggered her and she fell.2. [tr.] astonish or deeply shock: I was staggered to find it was six o'clock | [as adj.] (staggering) the staggering bills for maintenance and repair. 3. [tr.] arrange (events, payments, hours, etc.) so that they do not occur at the same time; spread over a period of time: meetings are staggered throughout the day. ∎  arrange (objects or parts of an object) in a zigzag order or so that they are not in line: stagger the screws at each joint.• n. [in sing.] 1. an unsteady walk or movement: she walked with a stagger.2. an arrangement of things in a zigzag order or so that they are not in line.DERIVATIVES: stag·ger·er n.stag·ger·ing·ly adv. a staggeringly unjust society.

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