diff --git a/src/normal.c b/src/normal.c
index 363f539..ca2a48c 100644
--- a/src/normal.c
+++ b/src/normal.c
@@ -1099,9 +1099,10 @@
 	old_mapped_len = typebuf_maplen();
 
     /*
-     * If an operation is pending, handle it...
+     * If an operation is pending, handle it.  But not for K_IGNORE.
      */
-    do_pending_operator(&ca, old_col, FALSE);
+    if (ca.cmdchar != K_IGNORE)
+	do_pending_operator(&ca, old_col, FALSE);
 
     /*
      * Wait for a moment when a message is displayed that will be overwritten