Definition of 'delay'

Noun

1. time during which some action is awaited; "instant replay caused too long a delay"; "he ordered a hold in the action"
      Synonyms: hold time lag postponement wait
2. the act of delaying; inactivity resulting in something being put off until a later time
      Synonyms: holdup

Verb

1. 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"
      Synonyms: detain hold up
      Antonyms: rush hurry
2. act later than planned, scheduled, or required; "Don't delay your application to graduate school or else it won't be considered"
3. stop or halt; "Please stay the bloodshed!"
      Synonyms: stay detain
4. slow the growth or development of; "The brain damage will retard the child's language development"
      Synonyms: check retard

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