'delay' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'delaier,' where 'de-' meant 'away' and 'laier' meant 'to leave.'

'delaier' transformed into the Middle English word 'delaien,' and eventually became the modern English word 'delay'.

Initially, it meant 'to leave something behind,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'postpone or slow down.'