hesitation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun indecision in speech or action
    vacillation; wavering.
  2. noun a certain degree of unwillingness
    hesitancy; reluctance; disinclination; indisposition.
    • a reluctance to commit himself
    • his hesitancy revealed his basic indisposition
    • after some hesitation he agreed
  3. noun the act of pausing uncertainly
    falter; faltering; waver.
    • there was a hesitation in his speech

WordNet

Hes`i*ta"tion noun
Etymology
L. haesitatio: cf. F. hésitation.
Definitions
  1. The act of hesitating; suspension of opinion or action; doubt; vacillation.
  2. A faltering in speech; stammering. Swift.

Webster 1913