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 Word Forms

• prehesitation 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

“During an overdose any hesitation can be deadly,” the lawmaker said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

She also expresses a deep personal pique toward Team Biden and West Wing staffers who had little faith in Harris or her political abilities and had no hesitation stating so — in private, anyway.

From Los Angeles Times

When Daniels first asked if Nuñez would be willing to reprise his role as Oscar Martinez in a new series, he agreed without hesitation.

From Los Angeles Times

Without hesitation, I tried a few flavors before settling on cherry, carefully scooped into a wax-coated disposable cup.

From Salon

Gregory Bovino, in charge of the immigration efforts in L.A. for the Border Patrol, questioned Sherman’s “loyalty to the country,” Sherman testified, for just showing hesitation about the wisdom and legality of an order.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• doubt 
• equivocation 
• hesitancy 
• indecision 
• misgiving 
• mistrust 
• pause 
• procrastination 
• qualm 
• reluctance 
• skepticism 
• unwillingness www.thesaurus.com
• vacillation