hesitate

If the matter were just about adding his name to backers of the legislation, Rubio would not be hesitating.
Marco Rubio Weighs Supporting Abortion Ban, a Tricky Stand|Eleanor Clift|July 10, 2013|DAILY BEAST
In other states, unusual circumstances have left the Democrats hesitating while Republicans forge ahead with runs.
The Democrats' 2012 Senate Blues|David A. Graham|April 7, 2011|DAILY BEAST
The sound of merry voices and laughing came from within, and his first hesitating knock was unanswered.
Tom Brown's School Days|Thomas Hughes
"I've heard nothing about Mr. Stimcoe," answered Captain Branscome, after a hesitating pause.
Poison Island|Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch (Q)

While I was hesitating, a woman came toward me from the direction of the dance.
Le Cocu (Novels of Paul de Kock Volume XVIII)|Charles Paul de Kock
Then she remembered Mrs. Hobbs' parting command and stopped, hesitating.
Mary-'Gusta|Joseph C. Lincoln
He was rigidly looking along the sights of his rifle, hesitating to fire.
Kiddie the Scout|Robert Leighton

British Dictionary definitions for hesitating

hesitate

/ (ˈhɛzɪˌteɪt) /

verb (intr)

to hold back or be slow in acting; be uncertain

to be unwilling or reluctant (to do something)

to stammer or pause in speaking

Derived Forms

hesitater or hesitator, nounhesitatingly, adverbhesitation, nounhesitative, adjective

Word Origin for hesitate

C17: from Latin haesitāre, from haerēre to cling to

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012