spluttering
Speaking through coughs
Spluttering describes making a series of short, explosive spitting or choking sounds, often while trying to speak.
Someone who splutters is typically flustered, indignant, or caught off guard: He spluttered with rage when he saw the parking ticket.
Engines and flames can also splutter when they burn or run unevenly.
The word is closely related to sputter, with spluttering perhaps suggesting a wetter, more explosive quality.
Failure to discharge
- backfireYield unintended consequences
- stallEnclosed compartment or delay
- coughExplosive airway clearing
- chokeObstruct breathing or airflow
idle · exhaust · carburetor · ignition · fuel · malfunction · breakdown · fault
Speak with involuntary repetitions
- stutterInvoluntary speech repetition
- stumbleLose footing momentarily
- hesitationDelay from uncertainty
- incoherentLacking logical connection
garbled · halting · faltering · babble · gibberish · tongue-tied · flustered · nervous
Wax stick with wick
- torchHandheld burning light source
- fireCombustion with flames
- wickFuel-drawing cord
- flickerUnsteady, brief light
gutter · dying · fading · extinguish · ember · smoke · damp · wax
Dispersed liquid droplets
- dropletsMinute liquid globules
- spatterScatter in droplets
- spitExpelled mouth moisture
- bubbleAir-filled film sphere
fizz · foam · gurgle · splatter · grease · oil · fat · sizzle
Angered by unfairness
- outrageFierce moral indignation
- rageIntense, violent anger
- furyIntense violent anger
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
objection · exasperation · tirade · fuming · irate · resentment · apoplectic · incensed
misfire
Failure to discharge
- backfireYield unintended consequences
- stallEnclosed compartment or delay
- coughExplosive airway clearing
choke · idle · exhaust · carburetor · ignition · fuel · malfunction · breakdown · fault · glitch
stammer
Speak with involuntary repetitions
- stutterInvoluntary speech repetition
- stumbleLose footing momentarily
- hesitationDelay from uncertainty
incoherent · garbled · halting · faltering · babble · gibberish · tongue-tied · flustered · nervous · choke
candle
Wax stick with wick
flicker · gutter · dying · fading · extinguish · ember · smoke · damp · wax · lantern
spray
Dispersed liquid droplets
bubble · fizz · foam · gurgle · splatter · grease · oil · fat · sizzle · frying
indignant
Angered by unfairness
protest · objection · exasperation · tirade · fuming · irate · resentment · apoplectic · incensed · livid
- sputtering soundscrackling, popping, fizzling, spattering, puttering
- fast talkingmotormouthing, reeling off, firing off, patter
- speechlessspeechless, mute, wordless, tongue-tied, dumbstruck