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

The child almost died from the delay of an hour in seeking help.

From The Daily Beast

Dr. Melson says abstinence only training shows no delay in sexual activity.

From The Daily Beast

This is a case where delay is denial—with potentially deadly results.

From The Daily Beast

There was, I am told, a two-hour delay caused by concerns about the temperature of the fuel.

From The Daily Beast

But delay hurts, deprivation is unfair, and waiting (and waiting) matters.

From The Daily Beast

I hate to be long at my toilette at any time; but to delay much in such a matter while travelling is folly.

From Project Gutenberg

So, small as his force was, only one hundred and eighty, he determined to move out and attack Porter without delay.

From Project Gutenberg

Any delay in covering such deficit shall be subject to such charge as the Federal Reserve Board may impose.

From Project Gutenberg

I have left a dozen men behind me, who'll hunt me over the country, if I don't rejoin them without delay.

From Project Gutenberg

Very likely the next great war will have begun before we realize that the three days' delay in the fall of Antwerp saved Calais.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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