Temporize
English Meaning
To comply with the time or occasion; to humor, or yield to, the current of opinion or circumstances; also, to trim, as between two parties.
- To act evasively in order to gain time, avoid argument, or postpone a decision: "Colonial officials . . . ordered to enforce unpopular enactments, tended to temporize, to find excuses for evasion” ( J.H. Parry).
- To engage in discussions or negotiations, especially so as to achieve a compromise or gain time.
- To yield to current circumstances or necessities; act to suit the time.
