teeter
[tee-ter]Chiefly Northern U.S.
verb (used without object)
to move unsteadily.
to ride a seesaw; teetertotter.
verb (used with object)
to tip (something) up and down; move unsteadily.
noun
a seesaw motion; wobble.
a seesaw; teetertotter.
Origin of teeter
1835–45; variant of dial. titter, Middle English titeren < Old Norse titra tremble; cognate with German zittern to tremble, quiver
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for teetered
totter, tremble, dangle, stagger, lurch, seesaw, waver, falter, flutter, reel, stumble, topple, quiver, stammer, wiggle, rock, pivot, balance, sway, weaveExamples from the Web for teetered
Contemporary Examples of teetered
In the month since elections produced not one but two presidents, the country has teetered on the abyss of violence.
Historical Examples of teetered
As she teetered out, it was plain that she was all but in a panic to get away.
The Rich Little Poor BoyEleanor Gates
He laid the spoon on the rim of the cup again and teetered it.
The Pagan MadonnaHarold MacGrath
Friar Mathieu turned and teetered precariously at the top of the steps.
The Saracen: The Holy WarRobert Shea
"Well—" He teetered a little on his feet and stroked his mustache.
Hidden GoldWilder Anthony
The great stone in the roof, crumbled by ages, slipped and teetered.
GladiatorPhilip Wylie
teeter
verb
noun, verb
Word Origin for teeter
C19: from Middle English titeren, related to Old Norse titra to tremble, Old High German zittarōn to shiver
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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teeter
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper