verb (used without object), e·quiv·o·cat·ed, e·quiv·o·cat·ing. to use ambiguous or unclear expressions, usually to avoid commitment or in order to mislead; prevaricate or hedge: When asked directly for his position on disarmament, the candidate only equivocated.
Origin: 1375–1425; late Middle English <
Medieval Latin aequivocātus, past participle of
aequivocāre; see
equivocal,
-ate1 Related forms e·quiv·o·cat·ing·ly, adverb
e·quiv·o·ca·tor, noun
non·e·quiv·o·cat·ing, adjective
out·e·quiv·o·cate, verb (used with object), out·e·quiv·o·cat·ed, out·e·quiv·o·cat·ing.
un·e·quiv·o·cat·ing, adjective
Synonyms
evade, stall, dodge.