staggers

/ˈstæɡərz/
verb
  1. To walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall.
    • He staggered under the weight of the heavy boxes he was carrying.
    • After the long hike, he staggered into the cabin and collapsed on the bed.
    • The toddler staggered across the room, reaching for her mother's arms.
  2. To cause someone to feel shocked, surprised, or overwhelmed.
    • The news of the sudden layoffs staggered the entire office.
    • It staggers me that anyone could be so cruel to an animal.
    • The cost of the repairs staggered the homeowners.
  3. To arrange events, payments, or schedules so that they do not happen at the same time.
    • The school staggers the start times for different grade levels to ease traffic.
    • We staggered the payments for the furniture over six months.
    • The company staggers its employees' lunch breaks to avoid long lines in the cafeteria.
noun
  1. A disease of horses and other animals that causes them to walk unsteadily or fall.
    • Farmers watch their sheep carefully for signs of staggers in the spring.
    • The veterinarian diagnosed the horse with staggers and prescribed a special diet.
    • The old mule had a mild case of staggers and needed rest.