temporize Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb draw out a discussion or process in order to gain time
    temporise.
    • The speaker temporized in order to delay the vote

WordNet

Tem"po*rize transitive verb
Etymology
F. temporiser. See Temporal of time.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Temporized ; present participle & verbal noun Temporizing
Definitions
  1. To comply with the time or occasion; to humor, or yield to, the current of opinion or circumstances; also, to trim, as between two parties.
    They might their grievance inwardly complain, But outwardly they needs must temporize. Daniel.
  2. To delay; to procrastinate. R. Bacon.
  3. To comply; to agree. Obs. Shak.

Webster 1913