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Definitions for: Blunder [n] an embarrassing mistake
[v] make an error
[v] commit a faux pas or fault
Webster (1913) Definition: Blun"der, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Blundered; p. pr. &
vb. n. Blundering.] [OE. blunderen, blondren, to stir,
confuse, blunder; perh. allied to blend to mix, to confound
by mixture.]
1. To make a gross error or mistake; as, to blunder in
writing or preparing a medical prescription. --Swift.
2. To move in an awkward, clumsy manner; to flounder and
stumble.
I was never distinguished for address, and have
often even blundered in making my bow. --Goldsmith.
Yet knows not how to find the uncertain place, And
blunders on, and staggers every pace. --Dryden.
To blunder on.
(a) To continue blundering.
(b) To find or reach as if by an accident involving more
or less stupidity, -- applied to something desirable;
as, to blunder on a useful discovery.
Blun"der, v. t.
1. To cause to blunder. [Obs.] ``To blunder an adversary.''
--Ditton.
2. To do or treat in a blundering manner; to confuse.
He blunders and confounds all these together.
--Stillingfleet.
Blun"der, n.
1. Confusion; disturbance. [Obs.]
2. A gross error or mistake, resulting from carelessness,
stupidity, or culpable ignorance.
Syn: Blunder, Error, Mistake, Bull.
Usage: An error is a departure or deviation from that which
is right or correct; as, an error of the press; an
error of judgment. A mistake is the interchange or
taking of one thing for another, through haste,
inadvertence, etc.; as, a careless mistake. A blunder
is a mistake or error of a gross kind. It supposes a
person to flounder on in his course, from
carelessness, ignorance, or stupidity. A bull is a
verbal blunder containing a laughable incongruity of
ideas.
Synonyms: bloomer, blooper, boner, boob, boo-boo, botch, bungle, flub, foul-up, fuckup, goof, sin, slip up, stumble, trip up
See Also: breach, break, bull, clanger, err, error, fault, faux pas, fluff, fumble, gaffe, gaucherie, go against, howler, infract, misstep, mistake, mistake, muff, offend, slip, slip, snafu, solecism, spectacle, stumble, transgress, trip, violate
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