stutter
UK: ˈstʌtə | US: ˈstʌtər
vi. to speak with involuntary repetition or hesitation
n. a speech disorder characterized by repetition or prolongation of sounds
The word "stutter" originates from Middle English stutten, meaning "to stumble" or "hesitate," likely imitative of the repetitive sounds made in speech. The suffix -er denotes an agent or habitual action, emphasizing the repetitive nature of the condition. The word’s evolution reflects the auditory and behavioral characteristics of the speech disorder, linking physical stumbling to verbal hesitation.
He tends to stutter when nervous.
The child worked with a therapist to overcome his stutter.
"P-p-please," she stuttered, her voice trembling.
Stuttering can be exacerbated by stress or fatigue.
The actor portrayed a stutter convincingly in the film.