If you hesitate, you do not speak or act for a short time, usually because you are uncertain, embarrassed, or worried about what you are going to say or do. The telephone rang. Catherine hesitated, debating whether to answer it + hesitation hesitations hesi·ta·tion Asked if he would go back, Mr Searle said after some hesitation, `I'll have to think about that'
pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness; "Authorities hesitate to quote exact figures" interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing; "The speaker paused
You can use hesitate in expressions such as `don't hesitate to call me' or `don't hesitate to contact us' when you are telling someone that they should do something as soon as it needs to be done and should not worry about disturbing other people. In the event of difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Department
If you hesitate to do something, you delay doing it or are unwilling to do it, usually because you are not certain it would be right. If you do not hesitate to do something, you do it immediately. Some parents hesitate to take these steps because they suspect that their child is exaggerating
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