the world > movement > motion in specific manner > irregular movement or agitation > unsteady movement > move unsteadily [verb (intransitive)] > reel, stagger, or sway unsteadily > as the result of a blow (3)
intransitive. To sway to and fro, esp. as the result of an impact or force; = rock, v.1 6a.
Of a person or (occasionally) an animal. intransitive. To sway or stagger as a result of a blow, impact, etc. Frequently with back, backward.
As the result of a blow or encounter, or of carrying a heavy load. Const. under. literal and figurative.