equivocate

[ ih-kwiv-uh-keyt ]
/ ɪˈkwɪv əˌkeɪt /

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

British Dictionary definitions for equivocator

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