verb (used without object), ter·gi·ver·sat·ed, ter·gi·ver·sat·ing.
- to change repeatedly one’s attitude or opinions with respect to a cause, subject, etc.; equivocate.
- to turn renegade.
verb (intr)
- to change sides or loyalties; apostatize
- to be evasive or ambiguous; equivocate
v.1650s, from Latin tergiversatus, past participle of tergiversari “be evasive,” literally “to turn one’s back” (see tergiversation). Related: Tergiversated; tergiversating.