First Known Use: 1598
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
Related to HESITATE
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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