trébucher

Trébucher is a French verb that describes the action of stumbling or tripping. It typically occurs when a person unexpectedly catches their foot on an object or uneven surface, causing them to lose their balance. This can lead to a brief loss of stability, a falter in gait, or in more severe cases, a fall. The verb can be used literally to describe a physical misstep.

Figuratively, trébucher can refer to encountering an obstacle or difficulty in a more abstract sense. For example, someone might say they "trébuché sur une question difficile" (stumbled on a difficult question) during an exam, meaning they found it hard to answer. It can also imply a setback or a moment of hesitation in a plan or endeavor. The consequences of trébucher, whether literal or figurative, can range from minor embarrassment to significant problems, depending on the context and the severity of the stumble. The act itself implies an involuntary loss of control and a disruption of smooth progress.