hesitate

[hez-i-teyt]

verb (used without object)

hesitated, hesitating 

1. to be reluctant or wait to act because of fear, indecision, or disinclination.

   She hesitated to take the job.

   Synonyms: falter, vacillate, waver
   Antonyms: decide

2. to have scruples or doubts; be unwilling.

   He hesitated to break the law.

3. to pause.

   I hesitated before reciting the next line.

   Synonyms: delay, demur
   Antonyms: hasten

4. to falter in speech; stammer.

   Embarrassment caused the speaker to hesitate.

hesitate

/ ˈhɛzɪˌteɪt /

verb

1. to hold back or be slow in acting; be uncertain

2. to be unwilling or reluctant (to do something)

3. to stammer or pause in speaking

Other Word Forms

• hesitater noun
• hesitator noun
• hesitatingly adverb
• prehesitate verb (used without object)
• hesitative adjective
• hesitation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hesitate¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin haesitātus “faltered,” past participle of haesitāre “to falter”; hesitant

Word History and Origins

Origin of hesitate¹

C17: from Latin haesitāre, from haerēre to cling to

Example Sentences

“The left did not hesitate to take to social media sending ill will the president’s way,” he said.

From Salon

“At this time, no information is too small to disregard, so do not hesitate to contact” detectives, the sheriff said.

From Los Angeles Times

So when I heard about breast milk ice cream in New York, I didn’t hesitate: I had to try it.

From Salon

“He didn’t hesitate,” said Gail Kennard, Robert’s daughter, who still leads the firm, and wanted to ensure the company’s stability at a difficult time.

From Los Angeles Times

Sensing Tatis converging from right field, center fielder Jackson Merrill briefly hesitated while pursuing the drive, before awkwardly reaching for it with an underhanded attempt.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• balk 
• dither 
• falter 
• pause 
• ponder 
• stumble 
• waffle 
• waver