noun / verb

trip

A loss of footing while moving.

I trip over a loose shoelace but catch my balance.

Etymology

The movement verb developed a sense of catching or disrupting a step. A trip is the resulting stumble or loss of footing.

More examples

  • A trip on the stairs leaves her with a bruised knee.
  • He accidentally trips his teammate during practice.
  • The last question trips me up every time.

Forms

trip · trips · tripped · tripping

Similar words

stumble
Emphasizes an unsteady step, not necessarily hitting an obstacle.
slip
Means losing traction rather than catching a foot on something.