Temporize (Verb)
Meaning
Draw out a discussion or process in order to gain time; "The speaker temporized in order to delay the vote".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- The diplomat temporized during the negotiations, prolonging the talks to allow her team to gather more information.
- The manager temporized, extending the meeting in an attempt to wear down the union representatives and get a better deal.
- The politician temporized, speaking at length but saying little, to delay a vote on the contentious issue until the public's attention had waned.
- The lawyer temporized in her closing argument, using up as much of the allotted time as possible to minimize the opportunity for rebuttal.
- The company temporized, issuing vague statements to buy time while they figured out how to respond to the crisis.