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delay definition

de·lay (dē lā′, di-)

transitive verb

  1. to put off to a future time; postpone
  2. to make late; slow up; detain

Etymology: ME delaien < OFr delaier < de-, intens. + laier, to leave, let, altered (? after conjugation of faire) < laissier < L laxare: see relax

intransitive verb

to stop for a while; linger

noun

  1. a delaying or being delayed
  2. the period of time for which something is delayed

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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