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Definition stagger in British English

stagger verb

verb
/ˈstæɡə(r)/
1

to walk in an uncontrolled way, as if you are going to fall over

Example

She staggered and fell.

Example

He gave her a slight push, and she staggered backwards.

Example

Ruth staggered out of her bedroom to pick up the phone.

Example

The man staggered to his feet and ran away.

Synonyms and related words
2

to surprise and shock someone

Example

Rory was staggered by his answer.

Synonyms and related words
Example

He staggers on as president, despite his increasing frailty.

Example

The museum is staggering under debts of nearly £5 million.

Synonyms and related words
4

to arrange for events or activities to start at different times

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5

to arrange objects so that they are not at the same height or are not in a straight line

Synonyms and related words
Definition stagger in British English