hesitate

[ hez-i-teyt ]

verb (used without object)

, hes·i·tat·ed, hes·i·tat·ing.

1. to be reluctant or wait to act because of fear, indecision, or disinclination:

   She hesitated to take the job.

   Synonyms: falter, vacillate, waver

   Antonyms: decide

2. to have scruples or doubts; be unwilling:

   He hesitated to break the law.

3. to pause:

   I hesitated before reciting the next line.

   Synonyms: delay, demur

   Antonyms: hasten

4. to falter in speech; stammer:

   Embarrassment caused the speaker to hesitate.

hesitate

/ ˈhɛzɪˌteɪt /

verb

1. to hold back or be slow in acting; be uncertain
2. to be unwilling or reluctant (to do something)
3. to stammer or pause in speaking

Derived Forms

• ˈhesiˌtative, adjective
• ˌhesiˈtation, noun
• ˈhesiˌtater, noun
• ˈhesiˌtatingly, adverb

Other Words From

• hesi·tater hesi·tator noun
• hesi·tating·ly adverb
• pre·hesi·tate verb (used without object) prehesitated prehesitating

Word History and Origins

Origin of hesitate¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin haesitātus “faltered,” past participle of haesitāre “to falter”; hesitant

Word History and Origins

Origin of hesitate¹

C17: from Latin haesitāre, from haerēre to cling to

Example Sentences

Immigrant workers had initially hesitated to come forward because they feared retaliation by the plant owner, including a call to local police or Immigration and Customs Enforcement, she said.

From Los Angeles Times

It also comes amid reports that the US has authorised the use of long-range missiles it supplies to Ukraine to strike Russia - a request Western allies have previously hesitated from granting.

From BBC

McDonnell said some citizens have begun hesitating to call the police in recent years because they haven’t felt that anything “meaningful would be done.”

From Los Angeles Times

One issue on which Trump may hesitate to buck public opinion: Abortion.

From Los Angeles Times

Some professors hesitate to grade accurately because of student evaluations, which are often more negative for tough graders.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• balk
• dither
• falter
• pause
• ponder
• stumble
• waffle
• waver