Delay
WordNet
noun
(1) The act of delaying; inactivity resulting in something being put off until a later time
(2) Time during which some action is awaited
"Instant replay caused too long a delay"
"He ordered a hold in the action"
verb
(3) Slow the growth or development of
"The brain damage will retard the child's language development"
(4) Cause to be slowed down or delayed
"Traffic was delayed by the bad weather"
"She delayed the work that she didn't want to perform"
(5) Stop or halt
"Please stay the bloodshed!"
(6) Act later than planned, scheduled, or required
"Don't delay your application to graduate school or else it won't be considered"
WiktionaryText
Noun
- previously unexpected period of time before an event occurs; the act of delaying.
Verb
- To put off until a later time; to distract.
- To retard; to stop, detain, or hinder, for a time.
Usage notes
- This is a catenative verb that takes the gerund (-ing). See Appendix:English catenative verbs
Synonyms
- See also Wikisaurus:hinder
- adjourn
- defer
- postpone
- put off
- put on ice
- suspend