misgive

[ mis-giv ]
/ mɪsˈgɪv /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR misgive ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), mis·gave, mis·giv·en, mis·giv·ing.

(of one's mind, heart, etc.) to give doubt or apprehension to.

verb (used without object), mis·gave, mis·giv·en, mis·giv·ing.

to be apprehensive.

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What does “vacillate” mean?
to waver in mind or opinion; be indecisive or irresolute.
to cause to be empty or unoccupied.
to assent tacitly; agree; consent.
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Origin of misgive

First recorded in 1505–15; mis-1 + give
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to misgive

hesitate, distrust, suspect, impugn, vacillate, demur, challenge, mistrust, discredit, disbelieve, insinuate, waver, imagine, query, fear, dispute, fluctuate, scruple, surmise, question

Example sentences from the Web for misgive

  • His heart had often misgiven him when he had thought of Caroline.

    The Young Duke|Benjamin Disraeli

  • London had always sounded bleak and distant and terrible to her; and her heart had misgiven her at the idea of leaving her aunt.

    He Knew He Was Right|Anthony Trollope

  • And yet it would have misgiven him more had he allowed himself to be entrapped by Miss Dawkins.

    An Unprotected Female at the Pyramids|Anthony Trollope

British Dictionary definitions for misgive

misgive
/ (mɪsˈɡɪv) /

verb -gives, -giving, -gave or -given

to make or be apprehensive or suspicious
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