hesitation

[ hez-i-tey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of hesitating; a delay due to uncertainty of mind or fear:

   His hesitation cost him the championship.

2. a state of doubt or uncertainty.

   Synonyms: vacillation, irresolution, indecision, hesitancy

3. a halting or faltering in speech.

   Synonyms: stammer

Other Words From

• prehes·i·tation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hesitation¹

First recorded in 1615–25, hesitation is from the Latin word haesitātiōn- (stem of haesitātiō ). See hesitate, -ion

Example Sentences

He confessed to his crime "without hesitation", police said.

From BBC

Without hesitation he said, “So, it’s your fault we lost!”

From Los Angeles Times

For all the history, glory, rags-to-riches stories, boxing is - at its very essence - a gladiatorial sport where one punch, hesitation or lapse of concentration can prove fatal.

From BBC

Musk has shown no hesitation, in the private sector, to eliminate jobs he considers superfluous.

From Los Angeles Times

"Is everything alright?" the bartender asked without hesitation, before signalling to the manager.

From BBC

Related Words

• doubt
• equivocation
• hesitancy
• indecision
• misgiving
• mistrust
• pause
• procrastination
• qualm
• reluctance
• skepticism
• unwillingness
• vacillation