tergiversate

Definition

To evade, to equivocate using subterfuge; to obfuscate in a deliberate manner.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin tergiversātus, perfect active participle of tergiversor (“to evade, to avoid, to turn one's back on”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from tergum (“back, hind”) + versor (“to turn”). Compare French tergiverser.

Example Sentences

• "The officials soon concluded that the easiest way to remain on good terms with the court was to elude responsibility, to tergiversate, to prevent results."
• "Henry had hesitated before authorising the spoliation; he would soon tergiversate on other matters of doctrine but this act was irreversible."

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