delay

[ dih-ley ]

verb (used with object)

1. to put off to a later time; defer; postpone:

   The pilot delayed the flight until the weather cleared.

2. to impede the process or progress of; retard; hinder:

   The dense fog delayed the plane's landing.

   Synonyms: detain, slow

verb (used without object)

1. to put off action; linger; dally:

   He delayed until it was too late.

   Synonyms: tarry, procrastinate

noun

1. the act of delaying; procrastination.

   Synonyms: loitering

2. an instance of being delayed:

   There were many delays during the train trip.

   Synonyms: respite, deferment

3. the period or amount of time during which something is delayed:

   The ballet performance began after a half-hour delay.

delay

/ dɪˈleɪ /

verb

1. tr to put off to a later time; defer
2. tr to slow up, hinder, or cause to be late; detain
3. intr to be irresolute or put off doing something; procrastinate
4. intr to linger; dawdle

noun

1. the act or an instance of delaying or being delayed
2. the interval between one event and another; lull; interlude

Derived Forms

• deˈlayer, noun

Other Words From

• de·laya·ble adjective
• de·layer noun
• de·laying·ly adverb
• prede·lay noun verb
• unde·laya·ble adjective
• unde·laying adjective
• unde·laying·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of delay¹

First recorded in 1225–75; Middle English delaien (verb), delai(e) (noun), from Old French delaier (verb), delai (noun)

Word History and Origins

Origin of delay¹

C13: from Old French delaier, from des- off + laier, variant of laissier to leave, from Latin laxāre to loosen, from laxus slack, lax

Synonym Study

See defer ¹.

Example Sentences

It can cause cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, while research shows it can also delay development in young children.

From BBC

White people are an endangered breed, fighting to delay their extinction.

From Salon

A major impediment to total control for either party is that Senate bills require a three-fifths majority, or 60 votes, to bypass the filibuster, which enables senators to delay legislation by keeping debate open-ended.

From BBC

Even with a healthy majority in the Senate this time around, Trump will not have the magic 60 seats that would allow him to overcome any opposition attempts to delay legislation.

From BBC

However, others have questioned whether it creates a further compensation delay for those who were mis-sold these agreements.

From BBC

Related Words

• lag
• moratorium
• postponement
• problem
• setback
• stoppage
• suspension
• wait