tumble

tumble [tum′bəl]

vi.

tumbled, tumbling [ME tumblen, freq. of tumben < OE tumbian, to fall, jump, dance; akin to Ger tummeln, taumeln < OHG * tumalon, freq. of tumon, to turn < IE base * dheu-, to be turbid > DULL]

1. to do somersaults, handsprings, or similar acrobatic or gymnastic feats

2.

a) to fall suddenly, clumsily, or helplessly

b) to fall or decline suddenly, as from power, high value, etc.

c) to come down in ruins; collapse

3. to stumble or trip

4. to toss about or roll around

5. to move, go, issue, etc. in a hasty, awkward, or disorderly manner

6. Informal to have sudden awareness or understanding of some situation: with to

vt.

1. to cause to tumble; make fall, overthrow, topple, roll over, etc.

2. to put into disorder by or as by tossing here and there; disarrange

3. to whirl in a TUMBLER (sense 10)

n.

1. the act or an instance of tumbling; specif.,

a) a somersault, handspring, etc.

b) a fall or decline

c) a stumble

2. disorder; confusion

3. a confused heap

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give a tumble or get a tumble

Informal to give (or get) some favorable or affectionate notice, attention, etc.