Definitions

1. verb

to delay or put off making a decision or taking action, often in order to gain more information or to avoid a difficult situation

“The government chose to temporize on the issue, hoping to avoid public backlash.”

2. verb

to prolong a situation in order to gain an advantage or to avoid a disadvantage

“The company decided to temporize by extending the deadline for the project, hoping to complete it within budget.”

3. noun

the act of temporizing

“The politician’s temporize was seen as a sign of weakness by her opponents.”