Temporize

Etymology

From Medieval Latin temporizare, "to pass the time," from Latin tempus (stem tempor-), "time." The idea is of playing for time — trimming one’s conduct to the moment rather than deciding. From "passing time" it came to mean deliberately stalling to avoid commitment.

verb · /TEM-puh-ryze/
To delay or act evasively in order to gain time before committing.
What it names
The precise verb for stalling — giving vague, noncommittal responses to buy time rather than take a stand.
Example
Asked whether he would run, the senator temporized, promising an announcement "when the time is right."
Related idea
Procrastinate is putting off a task; to temporize is a strategic stalling in negotiation or debate to avoid being pinned down.