hesitation

[ hez-i-tey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of hesitating; a delay due to uncertainty of mind or fear:

   His hesitation cost him the championship.

2. a state of doubt or uncertainty.

   Synonyms: vacillation, irresolution, indecision, hesitancy

3. a halting or faltering in speech.

   Synonyms: stammer

Other Words From

• prehes·i·tation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hesitation¹

First recorded in 1615–25, hesitation is from the Latin word haesitātiōn- (stem of haesitātiō ). See hesitate, -ion

Example Sentences

Lawyers in who practiced in Maryland and the District grew accustomed to texting or calling Bregman with a legal question because they knew he would know the answer without hesitation.

From Washington Post

Still, there appeared to be little hesitation in the GOP ranks on voting to support Greene.

From Washington Post

Becklund has no hesitation recommending their use—with the caveat that it’s important to talk to a physician about any medical concerns first, and to make sure not to get one that’s too heavy.

From Popular-Science

I started with one digit every two seconds and I’ve had to practice doing that very quickly and learning how to do that without hesitation.

From Freakonomics

“I don’t have any hesitation for myself,” said Prahl, while acknowledging that if she were advising a patient, she would run through potential risks and benefits.

From Washington Post

I ask about sex and drinking and drugs, routinely and without hesitation.

From The Daily Beast

When Malloy is asked what the hardest part of the last four years has been, he says without hesitation, “Sandy Hook.”

From The Daily Beast

He admitted responsibility without hesitation, and in meticulous, grisly detail.

From The Daily Beast

“Hesitation and half steps have consequences as well—and those remain to be determined,” Panetta said.

From The Daily Beast

“There was a lot of hesitation from Joselito to really trust me,” Miller said.

From The Daily Beast

Austria's fall was due to the lethargy and hesitation of the courts of Berlin and St. Petersburg.

From Project Gutenberg

You have, year after year, without the slightest hesitation or remorse, sucked its life-blood from it.

From Project Gutenberg

A muffled sound of voices became audible, and Irvin, following a moment of hesitation, crossed and opened the door.

From Project Gutenberg

With little hesitation she did so, in view of the immensely superior force displayed.

From Project Gutenberg

Ultimately, finding the Emperor's cause in the ascendant, he cast aside hesitation and threw in his lot with him.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• doubt
• equivocation
• hesitancy
• indecision
• misgiving
• mistrust
• pause
• procrastination
• qualm
• reluctance
• skepticism
• unwillingness
• vacillation