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Delay (Verb)

Cause to be slowed down or delayed; "Traffic was delayed by the bad weather"; "she delayed the work that she didn't want to perform".

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..

The construction project was delayed by the discovery of unexpected underground cables.
The shipment was delayed due to issues with customs clearance.
The storm delayed our flight for several hours.
Her procrastination delayed the completion of her thesis.
The unexpected mechanical failure delayed the start of the concert.

Stop or halt; "Please stay the bloodshed!".

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..

The company's lawyers sought to delay proceedings until new evidence emerged.
The paramedics hoped to delay the onset of shock by keeping the patient calm.
Environmental activists tried to delay the construction of the new highway to save the wildlife habitat.
Doctors attempted to delay the progression of the disease with a new treatment plan.
The firefighters worked to delay the spread of the fire until backup arrived.

Act later than planned, scheduled, or required; "Don't delay your application to graduate school or else it won't be considered".

Verbs of being, having, spatial relations.

Don't delay your application to graduate school or else it won't be considered.
The storm delayed the start of our planned hike in the mountains by several hours.
We should not delay further as every minute counts in this emergency situation.
The airline apologized for the flight and offered compensation for passengers who delay their travel due to unforeseen circumstances.
She knew that she had to submit the report on time and not delay, or else her boss would be extremely disappointed.

Slow the growth or development of; "The brain damage will retard the child's language development".

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..

The doctor warned that smoking during pregnancy could delay the baby's physical development.
The drought will delay the ripening of the crops and affect the harvest.
Poor nutrition can delay a child's growth and weaken their immune system.
High levels of stress can delay the healing process by weakening the body's defences.
Air pollution can delay lung development in children and cause long-term health problems.