equivocate

[ ih-kwiv-uh-keyt ]
/ ɪˈkwɪv əˌkeɪt /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR equivocate ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used without object), e·quiv·o·cat·ed, e·quiv·o·cat·ing.

to use ambiguous or unclear expressions, usually to avoid commitment or in order to mislead; prevaricate or hedge: When asked directly for his position on disarmament, the candidate only equivocated.

Origin of equivocate

1375–1425; late Middle English < Medieval Latin aequivocātus, past participle of aequivocāre; see equivocal, -ate1

OTHER WORDS FROM equivocate

Words nearby equivocate

equivalent focal length, equivalent weight, equivalve, equivocal, equivocally, equivocate, equivocation, equivoque, equuleus, er, er rif

Words related to equivocate

pussyfoot, shuffle, fence, sidestep, waffle, elude, evade, escape, prevaricate, lie, fib, flip-flop, fudge, falsify, dodge, tergiversate, palter, parry, cavil, hedge

Example sentences from the Web for equivocate

British Dictionary definitions for equivocate

equivocate
/ (ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪt) /

verb

(intr) to use vague or ambiguous language, esp in order to avoid speaking directly or honestly; hedge

Derived forms of equivocate

equivocatingly, adverb equivocator, noun equivocatory, adjective

Word Origin for equivocate

C15: from Medieval Latin aequivocāre, from Late Latin aequivocus ambiguous, equivocal