v.
Pronunciation: ' he-z ə - ˌ t ā t
Function: verb
Inflected Form: -tat · ed ; -tat · ing
Etymology: Latin haesitatus, past participle of haesitare to stick fast, hesitate, frequentative of haer ē re to stick
Date: 1598
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 \ - ˌ t ā -ti ŋ -l ē \ 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>.