equivocate

[ ih-kwiv-uh-keyt ]
/ ɪˈkwɪv əˌkeɪt /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR equivocate ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used without object), e·quiv·o·cat·ed, e·quiv·o·cat·ing.

to use ambiguous or unclear expressions, usually to avoid commitment or in order to mislead; prevaricate or hedge: When asked directly for his position on disarmament, the candidate only equivocated.

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Origin of equivocate

1375–1425; late Middle English < Medieval Latin aequivocātus, past participle of aequivocāre; see equivocal, -ate1

OTHER WORDS FROM equivocate

Words nearby equivocate

equivalent focal length, equivalent weight, equivalve, equivocal, equivocally, equivocate, equivocation, equivoque, equuleus, er, er rif
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to equivocator

cheat, perjurer, storyteller, phony, trickster, fibber, deceiver, prevaricator, fabulist, promoter, fabricator, falsifier, maligner, deluder

British Dictionary definitions for equivocator

equivocate
/ (ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪt) /

verb

(intr) to use vague or ambiguous language, esp in order to avoid speaking directly or honestly; hedge

Derived forms of equivocate

equivocatingly, adverbequivocator, nounequivocatory, adjective

Word Origin for equivocate

C15: from Medieval Latin aequivocāre, from Late Latin aequivocus ambiguous, equivocal
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012