hesitate implies a pause before deciding or acting or choosing.
hesitated before answering the question
waver implies hesitation after seeming to decide and so connotes weakness or a retreat.
wavered in his support of the rebels
vacillate implies prolonged hesitation from inability to reach a firm decision.
vacillated until events were out of control
falter implies a wavering or stumbling and often connotes nervousness, lack of courage, or outright fear.
never once faltered during her testimony
Example Sentences
Verb people who are still wavering between the two candidates They never wavered in their support for their leader. Despite the changes, he did not waver from his plan to retire. The kite wavered in the wind.
Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English; akin to Old English wǣfre restless, wafian to wave with the hands — more at wave