delay

About 22.16 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun A period of time before an event occurs; the act of delaying; procrastination; lingering inactivity.

   the delay before the echo of a sound

2. noun An audio effects unit that introduces a controlled delay.
3. noun Synonym of promise (“object representing delayed result”).
4. noun An amount of time provided on each move before one's clock starts to tick; a less common time control than increment.
5. verb To put off until a later time; to defer. To retard; to temporarily stop, detain, or hinder.

   The mail is delayed by a heavy fall of snow.

6. verb To put off until a later time; to defer.
7. verb To retard; to temporarily stop, detain, or hinder.

   The mail is delayed by a heavy fall of snow.

8. verb To wait, hesitate, tarry.

   Don't delay; this special offer ends at midnight!

Similar words

postponement wait hold up time lag detain stay hold detention holdup dilatory

Often followed by

in of the and is to or was between

Word family

DeLay Thomas Dale DeLay Thomas DeLay Tom DeLay delayed delayer delayers delaying delays