Definitions for temporize

• Definition
• Anagrams (313)

temporize tem·po·rize

Spelling: [tem-puh-rahyz]

IPA: /ˈtɛm pəˌraɪz/

Temporize is a 9 letter English word. It's valid Words with friends word worth 24 points.

You can make 313 anagrams from letters in temporize (eeimoprtz).

Definitions for temporize

verb (used without object)

1. to be indecisive or evasive to gain time or delay acting.
2. to comply with the time or occasion; yield temporarily or ostensibly to prevailing opinion or circumstances.
3. to treat or parley so as to gain time (usually followed by with).
4. to come to terms (usually followed by with).
5. to effect a compromise (usually followed by between).

Origin of temporize

1570-80; Medieval Latin temporizāre to hang back, delay, equivalent to Latin tempor- (stem of tempus) time + Medieval Latin -izāre -ize

Examples for temporize

It is hard to temporize when confronted with a businesslike silence.

The Spaniards had taken Courtrai, and it was well to temporize.

She tried to temporize, but the more she eluded him the more insistent he became.

They might temporize with their own consciences, but not with public opinion.

From stark necessity, she put her whole reliance on an effort to temporize.

Thus Blake tried to temporize, so that he might think what was best to do.

Did they temporize with a henious evil, because it was common and popular?

In the case that thus was presented there was no opportunity to temporize.

A sense of the shock she might give him moved her to temporize.

She was anxious to temporize, for she did not see how to answer her appeal.