flutter

Noun

• the motion made by flapping up and down

• a disorderly outburst or tumult
  • they were amazed by the furious disturbance they had caused
    

• abnormally rapid beating of the auricles of the heart (especially in a regular rhythm); can result in heart block

• the act of moving back and forth

Verb

• wink briefly
  • bat one's eyelids
    

• beat rapidly
  • His heart palpitated
    

• flap the wings rapidly or fly with flapping movements
  • The seagulls fluttered overhead
    

• move back and forth very rapidly
  • the candle flickered
    

• move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart
  • The hummingbird flitted among the branches
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  flap , flapping , fluttering , disturbance , disruption , commotion , hurly burly , to-do , hoo-ha , hoo-hah , kerfuffle , waver , flicker , bat , palpitate , flitter , quiver , flit , fleet , dart