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.
Origin of equivocate
1375–1425;late Middle English < Medieval Latinaequivocātus, past participle of aequivocāre; see equivocal, -ate1
Related formse·quiv·o·cat·ing·ly, adverbe·quiv·o·ca·tor, nounnon·e·quiv·o·cat·ing, adjectiveout·e·quiv·o·cate, verb (used with object),out·e·quiv·o·cat·ed,out·e·quiv·o·cat·ing.un·e·quiv·o·cat·ing, adjective
1590s, from Late Latin aequivocator, agent noun from aequivocare (see equivocation).
equivocate
v.
early 15c., equivocaten, from Medieval Latin equivocatus, past participle of equivocare "to call by the same name," from Late Latin aequivocus (see equivocation). Related: Equivocated; equivocating.
