temporize

 
Pronunciation: /ˈtɛmpərʌɪz/
(also temporise)

verb

[no object]
  • avoid making a decision or committing oneself in order to gain time: the opportunity was missed because the queen still temporized

Derivatives

temporization

Pronunciation: /-ˈzeɪʃ(ə)n/
noun

temporizer

noun

Origin:

late 16th century: from French temporiser 'bide one's time', from medieval Latin temporizare 'to delay', from Latin tempus, tempor- 'time'