hesitate

One entry found for hesitate.

Main Entry: hes·i·tate
Pronunciation: 'he-z&-"tAt
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -tat·ed; -tat·ing
Etymology: Latin haesitatus, past participle of haesitare to stick fast, hesitate, frequentative of haerEre to stick
intransitive verb
1 : to hold back in doubt or indecision
2 : to delay momentarily : PAUSE
3 : STAMMER
transitive verb : to hold back from in doubt or uncertainty <wouldn't hesitate to commit herself>
- hes·i·tat·er noun
- hes·i·tat·ing·ly /-"tA-ti[ng]-lE/ adverb
synonyms HESITATE, WAVER, VACILLATE, FALTER mean to show irresolution or uncertainty. HESITATE implies a pause before deciding or acting or choosing <hesitated before answering the question>. WAVER implies hesitation after seeming to decide and so connotes weakness or a retreat <wavered in his support of the rebels>. VACILLATE implies prolonged hesitation from inability to reach a firm decision <vacillated until events were out of control>. FALTER implies a wavering or stumbling and often connotes nervousness, lack of courage, or outright fear <never once faltered during her testimony>.