hesitate

verb3

1. •
   to hold back for a moment, unsure whether to go ahead or what to choose

   • He hesitated whether to accept the offer or not; men often hesitate in forming a judgment.
   • September 1, 1742, Alexander Pope, letter to Racine I shall not hesitate to declare myself very cordially, in regard to some particulars about which you have desired an answer.
2. •
   To stammer; to falter in speaking.
3. •
   (literary, rare) To utter with hesitation or to intimate by a reluctant manner.

   • Just hint a fault, and hesitate dislike. — 1724