gestate

[jes-teyt]

verb (used with object)

gestated, gestating 

1. to carry in the womb during the period from conception to delivery.

2. to think of and develop (an idea, opinion, plan, etc.) slowly in the mind.

verb (used without object)

gestated, gestating 

1. to experience the process of gestating offspring.

2. to develop slowly.

gestate

/ ˈdʒɛsteɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to carry (developing young) in the uterus during pregnancy

2. (tr) to develop (a plan or idea) in the mind

3. (intr) to be in the process of gestating

Word History and Origins

Origin of gestate¹

First recorded in 1865–70; from Latin gestātus, past participle of gestāre “to carry about, carry in the womb,” frequentative of gerere “to bear, perform”

Word History and Origins

Origin of gestate¹

C19: back formation from _gestation

Example Sentences

But the movie’s thoughts about pain and devotion and locker-room manipulation are still gestating.

From Los Angeles Times

These violative space abominations force embryos down their victims’ throats to gestate inside their guts before bursting through their torsos.

From Salon

Brown began researching robots and robotics, and slowly the story gestated in his mind.

From Los Angeles Times

“Burt,” his second feature, was shot over seven days for $7,000, though the project had been gestating for seven years by the time cameras rolled.

From Los Angeles Times

As female cicadas lay eggs that gestate for the next 13 or 17 years, it can cause short-term damage to some trees and shrubs.

From New York Times