delay

/di-ˈlā/

noun

  1. the act of postponing, hindering, or causing something to occur more slowly than normal : the state of being delayed

  2. an instance of being delayed

  3. the time during which something is delayed

get started without delay

apologized for the delay

verb

  1. put off, postpone

  2. to stop, detain, or hinder for a time

  3. to cause to be slower or to occur more slowly than normal

delay a departure

delay retard slow slacken detain mean to cause to be late or behind in movement or progress. delay implies a holding back, usually by interference, from completion or arrival. retard suggests reduction of speed without actual stopping.

biographical name

  1. Thomas (Dale) 1947— American politician