hesitate

verb

hes·​i·​tate ˈhe-zə-ˌtāt 

hesitated; hesitating

intransitive verb

1

: to hold back in doubt or indecision

She didn't hesitate when they offered her the job.

2

: to delay momentarily : pause

He hesitated and waited for her to say something.

3

: stammer

transitive verb

: to hold back from (doing or saying something) in doubt or uncertainty

Don't hesitate to call if you need something.

hesitater noun

hesitatingly

ˈhe-zə-ˌtā-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of hesitate

• falter
• wait

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of hesitate in a Sentence

She hesitated and waited for her friend to say something.

He hesitated about accepting the job.

I sometimes hesitate to say what I am really thinking.

I hesitated to come without being asked.

I wouldn't hesitate to ask for your help if I felt I needed it.

Don't hesitate to call if there is a problem.

Recent Examples on the Web

Regulations need to protect people from unfair or unclear AI decisions without creating such heavy burdens that businesses hesitate to build or deploy new tools. —Stefani Langehennig, The Conversation, 21 Nov. 2025

Keep up with screenings, manage conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes early, and do not hesitate to ask for support. —Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

Vargas hesitated to say much more, but noted the effect the federal actions have had on business the past few days, sweeping her hands out toward the space normally filled with diners munching on croquettes, Cuban sandwiches and ropa vieja. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 19 Nov. 2025

In his 20th year as clerk, Idoni, a Democrat, doesn't hesitate when asked about his favorite part of the job. —Tony Aiello, CBS News, 19 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin haesitatus, past participle of haesitare to stick fast, hesitate, frequentative of haerēre to stick

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Rhymes for hesitate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

hesitate

verb

hes·​i·​tate ˈhez-ə-ˌtāt 

hesitated; hesitating

1

: to stop or pause because of uncertainty or indecision

hesitate before answering

2

: to be unwilling

hesitate to ask a favor

3

: stammer entry 1

hesitater noun

hesitatingly

-ˌtāt-iŋ-lē 

adverb

hesitation

ˌhez-ə-ˈtā-shən

noun