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

Other Word Forms

• delayable adjective
• delayer noun
• delayingly adverb
• predelay noun
• undelayable adjective
• undelaying adjective
• undelayingly 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

“I continue to hear from survivors of one of the worst disasters in California history who are angry and frustrated by the delay and denial of their claims,” the letter stated.

From Los Angeles Times

Earlier this week, the Commission denied reports it had delayed the announcement of Google's fine amid tensions over trade relations between the EU and the US.

From BBC

"His family have had to endure repeated investigation and examination of his body and a significant delay to putting their loved one to rest," she added.

From BBC

Fans wiped away tears as they watched Ripken circle the field, and the thunderous applause never waned throughout the delay.

From Los Angeles Times

“That, frankly, is too late in the season. These decisions should have been made months ago, and HHS seems to be delaying that to as late as possible,” Dang said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adjourn 
• bar 
• block 
• defer 
• detain 
• hamper 
• hold 
• impede 
• keep 
• obstruct 
• postpone 
• prevent 
• prolong 
• put off 
• restrict 
• shelve 
• stall 
• stay 
• suspend 
• withhold 

When To Use

What does delay mean?

As a verb, delay means to put something off or postpone it until later, or to cause something to take longer or to be late.As a noun, delay means an instance of something being postponed till later, or the amount of time between when something was supposed to happen and when it does happen (the lull or interlude).Example: The convention has not been canceled—it has been delayed until we can find a proper venue.