temporize

[ tem-puh-rahyz ]
/ ˈtɛm pəˌraɪz /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR temporize ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used without object), tem·po·rized, tem·po·riz·ing.

to be indecisive or evasive to gain time or delay acting.
to comply with the time or occasion; yield temporarily or ostensibly to prevailing opinion or circumstances.
to treat or parley so as to gain time (usually followed by with).
to come to terms (usually followed by with).
to effect a compromise (usually followed by between).
Also especially British, tem·po·rise.

Origin of temporize

1570–80; < Medieval Latin temporizāre to hang back, delay, equivalent to Latin tempor- (stem of tempus) time + Medieval Latin -izāre -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM temporize

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH temporize

temporalize temporize

Words nearby temporize

temporary duty, temporary hardness, temporary life annuity, temporary parasite, temporary tooth, temporize, temporo-, temporomandibular, temporomandibular joint, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, temporomandibular joint syndrome

Words related to temporize

hesitate, balk, equivocate, procrastinate, delay, stall, hedge

Example sentences from the Web for temporize

British Dictionary definitions for temporize

temporize

temporise

/ (ˈtɛmpəˌraɪz) /

verb (intr)

to delay, act evasively, or protract a discussion, negotiation, etc, esp in order to gain time or effect a compromise
to adapt oneself to the circumstances or occasion, as by temporary or apparent agreement

Derived forms of temporize

temporization or temporisation, noun temporizer or temporiser, noun

Word Origin for temporize

C16: from French temporiser, from Medieval Latin temporizāre, from Latin tempus time