hesitate

a printed punctuation mark (‽), available only in some typefaces, designed to combine the question mark (?) and the exclamation point (!), indicating a mixture of query and interjection, as after a rhetorical question.

a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison.

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Collins

World English Dictionary

hesitate (ˈhɛzɪˌteɪt)

—vb
1.	to hold back or be slow in acting; be uncertain
2.	to be unwilling or reluctant (to do something)
3.	to stammer or pause in speaking

[C17: from Latin haesitāre, from haerēre to cling to]

'hesitater

—n

'hesitator

—n

'hesitatingly

—*adv*

hesi'tation

—n

'hesitative

—*adj*

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

hesitate

1620s, from L. haesitatum, pp. of haesitare (see hesitation).

Example sentences

Nevertheless, many gardeners who have never composted hesitate to try because

of the prevailing myths about the process.

Don't hesitate to speak up in the comments, or you can email me here.

Don't hesitate to admit that you don't know how to help a student with this

problem.

With many consumers initially hesitate to buy electric cars until the

technology is proven, government orders could fill the gap.

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grandstand hesitation pause scruple service stammer

Matching Quote

"There are many persons ready to do what is right because in their hearts they know it is right. But they hesitate, waiting for the other fellow to make the first move—and he, in turn, waits for you. The minute a person whose word means a great deal dares to take the open- hearted and courageous way, many others follow. Not everyone can be turned aside from meanness and hatred, but the great majority of Americans is heading in that direction. I have a great belief in the future of my people and my country."

-Marian Anderson