skitter
UK: ˈskɪtə | US: ˈskɪt̬ɚ
vi. to move lightly and quickly with a skipping or gliding motion
vi. (of an animal) to dart or scamper rapidly, especially in alarm
vt. to cause (something) to skip or bounce lightly over a surface
skitter = skit<to move quickly> + er<verb suffix>
- skit (from Old Norse skjóta, meaning "to shoot, dart")
- er (English verb-forming suffix indicating repetitive or frequent action)
Etymology Origin:
The word skitter originates from the Old Norse skjóta ("to shoot, dart"), reflecting rapid, sudden movement. Combined with the English suffix -er, it emphasizes repetitive or light, quick motion—often describing the darting of small animals (e.g., mice) or objects skipping across surfaces (e.g., stones on water). The word’s evolution retains its core sense of swift, erratic movement.
The lizard skittered across the hot sand to escape the sun.
Leaves skittered down the sidewalk in the autumn wind.
She watched the spider skitter up the wall.
The pebble skittered over the frozen pond.
His fingers skittered nervously over the keyboard.