Hesitate, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Hesitated; p. pr. & vb. n. Hesitating.]
Etymology: [L. haesitatus, p. p. of haesitare, intens. fr. haerere to hesitate, stick fast; to hang or hold fast. Cf. Aghast, Gaze, Adhere.]
1. To stop or pause respecting decision or action; to be in suspense or uncertainty as to a determination; as, he hesitated whether to accept the offer or not; men often hesitate in forming a judgment. Pope.
2. To stammer; to falter in speaking.
Syn. -- To doubt; waver; scruple; deliberate; demur; falter; stammer.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Hesitate, v. t.
To utter with hesitation or to intimate by a reluctant manner. [Poetic & R.] Just hint a fault, and hesitate dislike. Pope.