hesitate
[ hez-i-teyt ]
/ ˈhɛz ɪˌteɪt /
verb (used without object), hes·i·tat·ed, hes·i·tat·ing.
to be reluctant or wait to act because of fear, indecision, or disinclination: She hesitated to take the job.
to have scruples or doubts; be unwilling: He hesitated to break the law.
to pause: I hesitated before reciting the next line.
to falter in speech; stammer: Embarrassment caused the speaker to hesitate.
SYNONYMS FOR hesitate
OTHER WORDS FROM hesitate
hes·i·tat·er, hes·i·ta·tor, noun hes·i·tat·ing·ly, adverb pre·hes·i·tate, verb (used without object), pre·hes·i·tat·ed, pre·hes·i·tat·ing.Words nearby hesitate
heshvan,
hesiod,
hesione,
hesitancy,
hesitant,
hesitate,
hesitation,
hesitation waltz,
hesitative,
hesper,
hespere
Example sentences from the Web for hesitate
British Dictionary definitions for hesitate
hesitate
/ (ˈhɛzɪˌteɪt) /
verb (intr)
to hold back or be slow in acting; be uncertain
to be unwilling or reluctant (to do something)
to stammer or pause in speaking
Derived forms of hesitate
hesitater or hesitator, noun hesitatingly, adverb hesitation, noun hesitative, adjectiveWord Origin for hesitate
C17: from Latin
haesitāre, from
haerēre to cling to