a period of time when somebody/something has to wait because of a problem that makes something slow or late

failure to do something quickly or at the right time; the act of delaying

Report it to the police without delay .

to make somebody/something late or force them to do something more slowly

to not do something until a later time or to make something happen at a later time

Heavy hail showers delayed the start of the race.

to delay the launch/release/publication of something

She's suffering a delayed reaction to the shock.

The judge will delay his verdict until he receives medical reports on the offender.

He delayed telling her the news, waiting for the right moment.

LEARNit Dictionary