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

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

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

"We will not hesitate to intervene and where appropriate take enforcement action to protect the safety of users in Ireland and across the European Union."

Read more on Barron's

“I hesitate to give you all my theories right now on how it might be possible,” he said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

European politicians, who once hesitated to point fingers at Moscow, are increasingly vocal.

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“If you want to leave service in the near future, please do not hesitate to do so, with NO payment or severance of any kind.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

When I got to the busy Diamond District, I hesitated.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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