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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

  • (..) A ship lies anchored in the Grey Havens. There is nothing for you here... ...only death. Lady Arwen... ...we cannot delay. My lady! Tell me what you have seen. Arwen. You have the gift of foresight. What did you see? (..)
    2003 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King