Splutter

To splutter is to speak rapidly and incoherently, often due to excitement, anger, or nervousness. It can also describe the sputtering sound of a machine or a burning flame, characterized by irregular bursts or pops. Figuratively, 'splutter' can represent a chaotic or ineffective action, process, or protest. This word conveys a sense of loss of control, whether in speech, action, or mechanical operation. The core meaning revolves around a lack of smoothness, either in verbal expression or in the execution of a task or operation, and implies a certain degree of agitation or disruption.

Splutter meaning with examples

• Overwhelmed by the surprise party, Sarah began to splutter, her words tumbling over each other as she tried to express her joy. Her face was flushed, and she gestured wildly, unable to form a coherent sentence for the first few moments of her expression. The joy expressed by her response to the surprise made it the perfect birthday event!
• The old engine of the car started to splutter and cough, struggling to gain speed as it climbed the steep hill. The mechanic listened closely to the sound and new exactly what needed doing. The erratic noises made the engine sound like it may fail at any second.
• During the heated debate, the politician began to splutter with indignation at the accusations leveled against him, flailing his hands for impact and becoming increasingly agitated. The accusation took him by surprise but his reaction was typical.
• The protest against the new policy quickly devolved into a disorganized splutter of conflicting demands and ineffective actions. The participants could not agree on a strategy making their efforts a waste of time.