hesitate
[ hez-i-teyt ]
/ ˈhɛz ɪˌteɪt /
verb (used without object), hes·i·tat·ed, hes·i·tat·ing.
to be reluctant or wait to act because of fear, indecision, or disinclination: She hesitated to take the job.
to have scruples or doubts; be unwilling: He hesitated to break the law.
to pause: I hesitated before reciting the next line.
to falter in speech; stammer: Embarrassment caused the speaker to hesitate.
SYNONYMS FOR hesitate
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OTHER WORDS FROM hesitate
hes·i·tat·er, hes·i·ta·tor, nounhes·i·tat·ing·ly, adverbpre·hes·i·tate, verb (used without object), pre·hes·i·tat·ed, pre·hes·i·tat·ing.Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for hesitate
British Dictionary definitions for hesitate
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 of hesitate
hesitater or hesitator, nounhesitatingly, adverbhesitation, nounhesitative, adjectiveWord Origin for hesitate
C17: from Latin haesitāre, from haerēre to cling to
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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