hesitate

[hez-i-teyt]

verb (used without object)

hesitated, hesitating 

1. to be reluctant or wait to act because of fear, indecision, or disinclination.

   She hesitated to take the job.

   Synonyms: falter, vacillate, waver
   Antonyms: decide

2. to have scruples or doubts; be unwilling.

   He hesitated to break the law.

3. to pause.

   I hesitated before reciting the next line.

   Synonyms: delay, demur
   Antonyms: hasten

4. to falter in speech; stammer.

   Embarrassment caused the speaker to hesitate.

hesitate

/ ˈhɛzɪˌteɪt /

verb

1. to hold back or be slow in acting; be uncertain

2. to be unwilling or reluctant (to do something)

3. to stammer or pause in speaking

Other Word Forms

• hesitative adjective
• hesitation noun
• hesitater noun
• hesitatingly adverb
• hesitator noun
• prehesitate verb (used without object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of hesitate¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin haesitātus “faltered,” past participle of haesitāre “to falter”; hesitant

Word History and Origins

Origin of hesitate¹

C17: from Latin haesitāre, from haerēre to cling to

Example Sentences

Border Patrol Sector Chief Gregory Bovino questioned his “loyalty to the country” after Sherman initially hesitated about leading a temporary occupation of MacArthur Park in July because it would cause chaos.

From Los Angeles Times

“The left did not hesitate to take to social media sending ill will the president’s way,” he said.

From Salon

“At this time, no information is too small to disregard, so do not hesitate to contact” detectives, the sheriff said.

From Los Angeles Times

So when I heard about breast milk ice cream in New York, I didn’t hesitate: I had to try it.

From Salon

“He didn’t hesitate,” said Gail Kennard, Robert’s daughter, who still leads the firm, and wanted to ensure the company’s stability at a difficult time.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• balk 
• dither 
• falter 
• pause 
• ponder 
• stumble 
• waffle 
• waver