pause, suspension, intermission, interruption, break - a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something

extension - a mutually agreed delay in the date set for the completion of a job or payment of a debt; "they applied for an extension of the loan"

moratorium - a legally authorized postponement before some obligation must be discharged

retardation - the extent to which something is delayed or held back

inactivity - being inactive; being less active

ambuscade, ambush, bushwhack, lie in wait, scupper, waylay, lurk - wait in hiding to attack

cool one's heels, kick one's heels - wait or pass the time aimlessly or futilely; be kept waiting; "She kicked her heels for hours at the gate of the Embassy"

stick about, stick around, stand by - be available or ready for a certain function or service

act, move - perform an action, or work out or perform (an action); "think before you act"; "We must move quickly"; "The governor should act on the new energy bill"; "The nanny acted quickly by grabbing the toddler and covering him with a wet towel"

hold out - wait uncompromisingly for something desirable; "He held out for the dessert and did not touch the cheeses"

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

expect - look forward to the birth of a child; "She is expecting in March"

anticipate, expect - regard something as probable or likely; "The meteorologists are expecting rain for tomorrow"

look forward - expect or hope for; "I look to hear from you soon"

look to - turn one's interests or expectations towards; "look to the future"; "this method looks to significant wavings"

hold the line, hang on, hold on - hold the phone line open; "Please hang on while I get your folder"

look for, look to, anticipate - be excited or anxious about

work - exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity; "I will work hard to improve my grades"; "she worked hard for better living conditions for the poor"