Postponement

deferment, adjournment, putting off, procrastination, suspension, moratorium, deferral, pause, surcease, reprieve, setback, retardation, lag, remission, prorogation, stay, stop, discontinuation, dawdling, foot-dragging, cooling-off period, holdup, holding pattern; see also pause 1, 2, respite.

Hindrance

stoppage, obstacle, obstruction; see impediment 1.

To cause a delay

postpone, defer, put-off, retard, hold up, deter, hinder, hamper, clog, choke, slacken, keep, hold, protract, keep back, impede, discourage, interfere with, detain, stay, stop, withhold, lay over, arrest, check, prevent, repress, curb, obstruct, gain time, inhibit, restrict, prolong, encumber, confine, remand, prorogue, procrastinate, adjourn, block, bar, filibuster, intermit, suspend, stave off, table, shelve, pigeonhole, put aside, lay aside, lay by, push aside, slow, hang up, hang back, hold back, hold off, hold over, hold everything, be dilatory, bide one's time, arrest temporarily, impede the progress of, slow up, limit, slacken, stand off, stall, restrain, put on ice*, hold one's horses*, drag one's feet*; see also hinder.

Antonyms speed*, accelerate*, encourage. *

To make a delay

hesitate, slow down, dawdle, dally; see linger 1, loiter, pause.