hesitate
verb (used without object)
to be reluctant or wait to act because of fear, indecision, or disinclination.
hesitated
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past participleof hesitate.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof hesitate.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
hesitateverb (used without object)to be reluctant or wait to act because of fear, indecision, or disinclination.
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.
Catalina Sanchez, a 64-year-old secretary who celebrated with her daughters until 4:00 am, hesitated to remove her sunglasses as she headed to work.
From Barron's ● Jul. 20, 2026
He hesitated before adding, “And you’ll have to call my college. Tell them I won’t be able to attend.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 2026
Londoner Chisora - now with 14 defeats - had said beforehand it would be his last fight, but he hesitated to confirm his retirement when joined in the ring by his family.
From BBC ● Apr. 4, 2026
While 27 states have agreed to use SAVE, others have hesitated, concerned not only about inaccuracies, but also about privacy and the data’s potential to be used in immigration enforcement.
From Salon ● Feb. 27, 2026
He hesitated; then he laid one hand on the wall and continued.
From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell
