Dictionary

hesitate

verb hes·i·tate \ˈhe-zə-ˌtāt\

: to stop briefly before you do something especially because you are nervous or unsure about what to do

: to be unwilling to do something because of doubt or uncertainty

hes·i·tat·edhes·i·tat·ing

Full Definition of HESITATE

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 \-ˌtā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
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Origin of HESITATE

Latin haesitatus, past participle of haesitare to stick fast, hesitate, frequentative of haerēre to stick
First Known Use: 1598

Synonym Discussion of HESITATE

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>.

Rhymes with HESITATE

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HESITATING Defined for Kids

hesitate

verb hes·i·tate \ˈhe-zə-ˌtāt\
hes·i·tat·edhes·i·tat·ing

Definition of HESITATE for Kids

1
:  to pause before doing something <He hesitated before crossing the stream.>
2
:  to be unwilling to do something because of doubt or nervousness <Don't hesitate to ask for help.>
hes·i·ta·tion \ˌhez-ə-ˈtā-shən\ noun

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