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

When asked about his top pick, Radcliffe didn’t hesitate. —Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026

That’s why Jacobs coach Jamie Murray didn’t hesitate to give him a start. —Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026

Asked about balancing her podcast, modeling, and high-profile connections in Atlanta, Reese didn't hesitate. —Monique John, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026

Trump has criticized European countries for rejecting or hesitating to get involved in the war with Iran. —Npr Staff, NPR, 17 Apr. 2026

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