verb
hesitate
HEHZ-ih-tayt
verb
1
To pause before doing or deciding something because of doubt or reluctance.
"Don't hesitate to call if you need help."
"She hesitated at the door, unsure whether to knock."
How to Use Hesitate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo pause or delay because you're unsure or reluctant.
Common pairings
hesitate to ask
don't hesitate
hesitate before answering
Word Forms
hesitated past tense, hesitates singular
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Don't _____ to call if you need help.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin haesitare ("to stick fast, to hesitate"), an intensive form of haerēre ("to stick, cling").