zögern
Translation
to hesitate, to delay, to waver
Examples
Er zögerte einen Moment, bevor er antwortete.
He hesitated a moment before he answered.
Zögern Sie nicht, mich bei Fragen anzurufen.
Don't hesitate to call me with any questions.
Grammar Patterns
((mit et3)) to hesitate with sth. He hesitated with the answer.
((zu+inf)) to hesitate to do sth. She hesitated to call him.
Similar Words
Synonyms: schwanken, zaudern; Antonyms: handeln, sich entschließen
Etymology
Derived from Middle High German 'zogeren', meaning 'to pull back and forth', which suggests indecisiveness.
Memory Tips
Think of someone being 'dragged' (ziehen/zog) away from a decision, causing them to hesitate.