stammer
UK: ˈstæmə | US: ˈstæmər
vi. to speak with involuntary pauses or repetitions, often due to nervousness or a speech disorder
n. a speech disorder characterized by hesitations or repetitions
stammer = stam<to stumble> + er<verb suffix>
- stam<to stumble>: From Old English stamerian, meaning "to stumble" or "hesitate in speech," related to Middle Dutch stameren and German stammeln.
- er<verb suffix>: A frequentative or agentive suffix in English, indicating repeated action (e.g., "stutter").
Etymology Origin:
The word "stammer" traces back to Old English stamerian, reflecting the physical act of stumbling transferred to speech. The Germanic root stam- conveys halting movement, later evolving to describe fragmented speech. The suffix -er reinforces the repetitive nature of the action, mirroring similar constructions like "stutter."
He tends to stammer when speaking in public.
The child worked with a therapist to overcome his stammer.
"I-I don’t know," she stammered nervously.
His stammer became less noticeable as he gained confidence.
Stammering can be managed with speech therapy and practice.