verb (used without object), e·quiv·o·cat·ed, e·quiv·o·cat·ing.
- to use ambiguous or unclear expressions, usually to avoid commitment or in order to mislead; prevaricate or hedge: When asked directly for his position on disarmament, the candidate only equivocated.
verb
- (intr) to use vague or ambiguous language, esp in order to avoid speaking directly or honestly; hedge
v.early 15c., equivocaten, from Medieval Latin equivocatus, past participle of equivocare “to call by the same name,” from Late Latin aequivocus (see equivocation). Related: Equivocated; equivocating.