hesitate

[hez-i-teyt]

verb (used without object)

hesitated, hesitating 

1. to be reluctant or wait to act because of fear, indecision, or disinclination.

   She hesitated to take the job.

   Synonyms: falter, vacillate, waver
   Antonyms: decide

2. to have scruples or doubts; be unwilling.

   He hesitated to break the law.

3. to pause.

   I hesitated before reciting the next line.

   Synonyms: delay, demur
   Antonyms: hasten

4. to falter in speech; stammer.

   Embarrassment caused the speaker to hesitate.

hesitate

/ ˈhɛzɪˌteɪt /

verb

1. to hold back or be slow in acting; be uncertain

2. to be unwilling or reluctant (to do something)

3. to stammer or pause in speaking

Other Word Forms

• hesitative adjective
• hesitation noun
• hesitater noun
• hesitatingly adverb
• hesitator noun
• prehesitate verb (used without object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of hesitate¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin haesitātus “faltered,” past participle of haesitāre “to falter”; hesitant

Word History and Origins

Origin of hesitate¹

C17: from Latin haesitāre, from haerēre to cling to

Example Sentences

But Brown hesitated and the moment was lost.

From BBC

A government that stretches legal authority overseas will not hesitate to do the same at home.

From Salon

Testa — after connecting with UC Davis and its network of food specialists — then reached out to the Wilton Rancheria, which did not hesitate, he said, in agreeing to sponsor the event.

From Los Angeles Times

"We will not hesitate to take further action where it is required."

From BBC

Students hesitate before volunteering their opinions in class, while faculty appear more cautious, even including disclaimers in their syllabi.

From Salon

Related Words

• balk 
• dither 
• falter 
• pause 
• ponder 
• stumble 
• waffle 
• waver