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hesitation

 - 3 dictionary results

hes⋅i⋅ta⋅tion

  [hez-i-tey-shuhn]
Use hesitation in a Sentence
–noun
1. the act of hesitating; a delay due to uncertainty of mind or fear: His hesitation cost him the championship.
2. a state of doubt or uncertainty.
3. a halting or faltering in speech.
Origin:
1615–25; < L haesitātiōn- (s. of haesitātiō). See hesitate, -ion

Synonyms:
2. hesitancy, indecision, irresolution, vacillation. 3. stammer.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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hes·i·ta·tion   (hěz'ĭ-tā'shən)   
n.  

  1. The act or an instance of hesitating.

  2. The state of being hesitant.

  3. A pause or faltering in speech.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

hesitation 
1622, from L. hæsitationem (nom. hæsitatio) "irresolution, uncertainty," from hæsitare "stick fast, stammer in speech, be undecided," freq. of hærere "stick, cling," from PIE *ghais-eyo (cf. Lith. gaistu "to delay, tarry"). Hesitate is attested from 1623, from L. hæsitatum, pp. of hæsitare.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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