hesitation
/hɛzɪˈteɪʃən/ · hes-i-ta·tion
noun
- An act of hesitating, or a moment of uncertainty in thought or action. She paused for a moment, her hesitation evident in her voice.
- Doubt; vacillation, or a state of indecision. The politician's hesitation on the issue led to widespread criticism.
- A faltering in speech; stammering, or a moment of difficulty in speaking. The nervous student's hesitation in front of the class was palpable.
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Did you know? The word 'hesitation' has been used in literature to describe the inner turmoil of characters, such as in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', where Hamlet's hesitation in avenging his father's death is a central theme.