hesitated
v. B1 Intermediate US //ˈhɛzɪˌteɪtɪd// UK //hˈɛsɪtˌeɪtɪd// hes·i·tat·ed
v. paused for a short time before doing or saying something, usually because you were nervous or not sure.
v. past tense of 'hesitate'; refers to a brief pause in speech or action caused by uncertainty, reluctance, or indecision.
She hesitated for a moment before answering the phone.
He hesitated at the door, wondering if he should really interrupt the meeting.
The witness hesitated before identifying the suspect, clearly weighed down by the gravity of the accusation she was about to make.
Usage
The verb is intransitive and often followed by the preposition 'before' or an infinitive ('to do').