holdoff
Keep at bay
A holdoff is a delay or postponement, often imposed deliberately to prevent premature action: There's a thirty-day holdoff on the new policy.
In electronics, holdoff refers to a time interval during which a device won't respond to new triggers.
The verb form is the phrasal *hold off*: Let's hold off on making a decision.
Delay to later time
- deferDelay or submit
- waitDelay until later
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
- suspendHalt or hang temporarily
stall · hesitate · moratorium · hiatus · abeyance · reprieve · respite · procrastinate
Fortified spot for resistance
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
- siegeEncirclement forcing surrender
- perimeterShape's outer edge length
- fortificationStrengthening defenses or nutrients
entrenchment · deterrence · blockade · stalemate · covering fire · defensive line · cordon · buffer zone
Ability to restrain impulses
- forbearancePatient self-control, delayed enforcement
- willpowerMental strength resisting impulse
- disciplineTrained self-control or specialty
- patienceCalm during delays
moderation · abstinence · temperance · inhibition · suppression · constraint · reserve · self-discipline
Delay from uncertainty
- warinessCautious distrust
- prudenceCareful, wise judgment
- circumspectionCareful consideration of consequences
- reluctanceDisinclination to act
tentativeness · apprehension · misgivings · skepticism · doubt · watchfulness · guardedness · reticence
postpone
Delay to later time
suspend · stall · hesitate · moratorium · hiatus · abeyance · reprieve · respite · procrastinate · adjourn
defensive position
Fortified spot for resistance
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
- siegeEncirclement forcing surrender
- perimeterShape's outer edge length
fortification · entrenchment · deterrence · blockade · stalemate · covering fire · defensive line · cordon · buffer zone · checkpoint
self-control
Ability to restrain impulses
- forbearancePatient self-control, delayed enforcement
- willpowerMental strength resisting impulse
- disciplineTrained self-control or specialty
patience · moderation · abstinence · temperance · inhibition · suppression · constraint · reserve · self-discipline · containment
hesitation
Delay from uncertainty
- warinessCautious distrust
- prudenceCareful, wise judgment
- circumspectionCareful consideration of consequences
reluctance · tentativeness · apprehension · misgivings · skepticism · doubt · watchfulness · guardedness · reticence · second thoughts
holdoffengagement
Commitment to wed or attend
proceed · attack · go-ahead · confrontation · advance
hold, off, holds, holding, held, holder, holders, behold, beholden