noun

1. A period of time before an event occurs; the act of delaying; procrastination; lingering inactivity.

   “the delay before the echo of a sound”

2. An audio effects unit that introduces a controlled delay.

verb

1. To put off until a later time; to defer.

2. To retard; to stop, detain, or hinder, for a time.

   “The mail is delayed by a heavy fall of snow.”

3. To allay; to temper.

Synonyms: calm, moderate, quell, cunctation, hold-up, adjourn, defer, forslow