Hesitation

[hez-i-tey-shuh n] /ˌhɛz ɪˈteɪ ʃən/

noun
1.
the act of ; a delay due to uncertainty of mind or fear:
His hesitation cost him the championship.
2.
a state of doubt or uncertainty.
3.
a halting or faltering in speech.
n.

c.1400, from Old French hesitacion or directly from Latin haesitationem (nominative haesitatio) “a hesitation, stammering,” figuratively “irresolution, uncertainty,” from haesitare “stick fast, remain fixed; stammer in speech,” figuratively “hesitate, be irresolute, be at a loss, be undecided,” frequentative of haerere “stick, cling,” from PIE *ghais-e (cf. Lithuanian gaistu “to delay, tarry”), from root *ghais- “to adhere; hesitate.”