Definitions for: Equivocate


[v] be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information



Webster (1913) Definition: E*quiv"o*cate, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Equivocated;
p. pr. & vb. n. Equivocating.] [L. aequivocatus, p. p. of
aequivocari to be called by the same name, fr. L. aequivocus:
cf. F. ['e]quivoquer. See Equivocal, a.]
To use words of equivocal or doubtful signification; to
express one's opinions in terms which admit of different
senses, with intent to deceive; to use ambiguous expressions
with a view to mislead; as, to equivocate is the work of
duplicity.

All that Garnet had to say for him was that he supposed
he meant to equivocate. --Bp.
Stillingfleet.

Syn: To prevaricate; evade; shuffle; quibble. See
Prevaricate.


E*quiv"o*cate, v. t.
To render equivocal or ambiguous.

He equivocated his vow by a mental reservation. --Sir
G. Buck.

Synonyms: palter, prevaricate, tergiversate

See Also: misinform, mislead

Try our:
Scrabble Word Finder

Scrabble Cheat

Words With Friends Cheat

Hanging With Friends Cheat

Scramble With Friends Cheat

Ruzzle Cheat



Related Resources:
j letter animals
animals begin with o
animals starting with g