ˈfɔːltə(r) hɛzɪˈteɪʃən ɪnˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən ɹɪˈlʌktəns væsɪˈleɪʃən ˈweɪ.və(ɹ) ˈweɪ.vɚ the act of pausing uncertainly there was a hesitation in his speech a certain degree of unwillingness a reluctance to commit himself his hesitancy revealed his basic indisposition after some hesitation he agreed indecision in speech or action