Delaying meaning

There was no purpose in delaying the unpleasant chore.

He seems to have tried to stir up both the Indians and the Spaniards to prevent the survey of the southern boundary of the United States in 1797 and 1798, and succeeded in delaying Commissioner Andrew Ellicott for several months in this important task.

Driven insane, Ivan repeatedly turns the hourglass over and over again in a hope of delaying his death.