Noun

1. previously unexpected period of time before an event occurs; the act of delaying.

Verb

1. To put off until a later time; to distract.
2. 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