/ ˈhezɪteɪt; NAmE / verb
1.
hesitate (about / over sth) to be slow to speak or act because you feel uncertain or nervous :
[ v ]
She hesitated before replying.
I didn't hesitate for a moment about taking the job.
[also v speech ]
2.
[ v to inf ] to be worried about doing sth, especially because you are not sure that it is right or appropriate :
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries.
► hesi·ta·tion / ˌhezɪˈteɪʃn; NAmE / noun [ U , C ]:
She agreed without the slightest hesitation .
I have no hesitation in recommending her for the job.
He spoke fluently and without unnecessary hesitations.
•
IDIOMS
- he who hesitates (is lost)
••
WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent.: from Latin haesitat- stuck fast, left undecided, from the verb haesitare , from haerere stick, stay.