(n.) A temporary suspension of some action or obligation; as, a moratorium on taxes\.

afterthought bind block blockage bureaucratic delay cancellation delay delayage delayed reaction detention double take dragging freeze grace period halt hang-up hiatus hindrance holdup interim jam lag lagging logjam obliteration obstruction paperasserie pause postponement red tape red-tapeism red-tapery reprieve respite retardance retardation slow-up slowdown slowness stay stay of execution stop stoppage suspense suspension tie-up time lag wait write-off