delay，postpone，defer，suspend，prolong，put off
这些动词或短语动词均有“推延，延期”之意。
delay 普通用词，多指因外界原因推迟或耽误，也可指有意推迟。
postpone 正式用词，语气较强，多指有安排的延期，常指明延期到一定的时间。
defer 正式用词，语气强于postpone，多指故意拖延。
suspend 指暂时中断以待某种条件的实现。
prolong 指把时间延长至超过正常或通常的限度。
put off 口语用词，与postpone同义，但较通俗。
参考例句
1. The driver delayed the drive until the weather cleared. 驾驶员延迟到天气转晴后才出车。
2. The situation allows of no delay. “情况”不容许有任何延误。
3. It was impossible to delay her at such a crisis. 在这样一个紧要关头来耽搁她是不可能的。
英英解释
n.
1. time during which some action is awaited
2. the act of delaying; inactivity resulting in something being put off until a later time v.
1. cause to be slowed down or delayed
2. act later than planned, scheduled, or required
3. stop or halt
4. slow the growth or development of
