To Delay

1. To put off until a later time; to defer.
2. To retard; to stop, detain, or hinder, for a time.
3. (obsolete) To allay; to temper.

Usage notes

• This is a catenative verb that takes the gerund (-ing). See Appendix:English catenative verbs

Synonyms

• (put off until a later time): adjourn, defer, forslow, penelopize, postpone, put off, put on ice, suspend; procrastinate
• (retard): forslow, get in the way, hold up, impede; hinder
• (allay): calm, moderate, quell; pacify