delay

Definition

  • noun: a situation in which something happens later than it should
  • noun: the act of 'delaying'
  • verb: to wait until later to do something
  • verb: to stop, detain, or hinder for a time
  • often used as '(be) delayed'
  • synonyms: put off, procrastination, stop

Examples

  • He had a very 'delayed' reaction to the medication. [=a reaction that did not happen immediately]

  • The nurse apologized for the 'delay' [='wait'] and said that the doctor would be in shortly.

  • Production problems 'delayed' the introduction of the new model by several months.

Movie quotes

  • (..) man and wife is one flesh... ...therefore my mother Come, for England Follow him at foot, tempt him with speed aboard. Delay it not, I'll have him hence tonight And England, if my love thou holdst at aught, pay homage to our order here inscribed... ...in letters conjuring to that effect (..)
    2015 Hamlet
  • (..) For who would bear the whips and scams of time... The oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely... The pangs of disprized love, the law's delay... The insolence of office and the spurns that patient merit of the unworthy takes... ...when he himself might his quietus make with a bare bodkin (..)
    2015 Hamlet