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

“My only hesitation is reliability, since it will involve so much new technology,” he added.

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There is going to be hesitation to file lawsuits against the administration and engage in a public-relations war.

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For people out there with some hesitation or anxiety or fear about metal, I would recommend that they come to a show.

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“When we heard the track we had no hesitation in agreeing to this association between two great artists and we know George would have felt the same,” the “Freedom!” singer’s estate posted Thursday on X.

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"When we heard the track we had no hesitation in agreeing to this association between two great artists and we know George would have felt the same," Michael's estate said on Facebook.

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Related Words

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