lurch
verb
[ ləːtʃ ]
• make an abrupt, unsteady, uncontrolled movement or series of movements; stagger.
• "the car lurched forward"
Similar:
stagger,
stumble,
sway,
reel,
roll,
weave,
totter,
flounder,
falter,
wobble,
slip,
move clumsily,
list,
pitch,
toss,
keel,
veer,
labour,
heel,
swerve,
make heavy weather,
pitchpole,
lurch
noun
• an abrupt uncontrolled movement, especially an unsteady tilt or roll.
• "the boat gave a violent lurch and he missed his footing"
Origin:
late 17th century (as a noun denoting the sudden leaning of a ship to one side): of unknown origin.
leave someone in the lurch
• leave someone abruptly and without assistance or support when they are in a difficult situation.
• "he left you in the lurch when you needed him most"
