hesitation

noun

hes·​i·​ta·​tion ˌhe-zə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce hesitation (audio)
1
: an act or instance of hesitating
2
: a pausing or faltering in speech

Examples of hesitation in a Sentence

one moment's hesitation on my part, and the elusive butterfly was lost to me forever
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The host then ran over to Sabrina and flipped the container over without a moment’s hesitation, spilling dirt on the table and across the floor. EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025 Others declined to comment, while Council members Roger Dickinson and Mai Vang cited initial hesitation. Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2025 However, several Senate Republicans have expressed hesitation about approving such deep cuts, highlighting divisions within the party. Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025 And due to those few seconds of hesitation, the father and son lumberjacks are sadly eliminated from the race. Nick Caruso, TVLine, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hesitation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hesitation was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hesitation. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

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