hesitate
verb (used without object)
to be reluctant or wait to act because of fear, indecision, or disinclination.
had hesitated
-
past perfectof hesitate.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But two additional trustees quit the board this week, saying the institution had hesitated to denounce hatred.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 19, 2025
Chu had hesitated to give up her hard-earned job security, even as she watched friends quit work and travel.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 30, 2023
Linda Dunn, who has multiple ties to the university, has extra room in her house several miles from campus — but had hesitated to rent it, nervous about having a stranger in her home.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 9, 2022
His colleague Kostya Tomlyak had hesitated to perform in wartime.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 7, 2022
“I am afraid you won’t leave any of it for him,” said I, timidly; after a silence during which I had hesitated as to the politeness of making the remark.
From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens
