American Dictionary of the English Language

Dictionary Search

Hesitate


HES'ITATE, verb intransitive s as z. [Latin haesito, haereo, to hang.]

1. To stop or pause respecting decision or action; to be doubtful as to fact, principle or determination; to be in suspense or uncertainty; as, he hesitated whether to accept the offer or not. We often hesitate what judgment to form.

It is never transitive, unless by poetic license.

Just hint a fault, and hesitate dislike.

2. To stammer; to stop in speaking.