1. to postpone or put off the end or conclusion of something; to extend the duration by preventing completion
The unexpected delays will delay the finish of the construction project.
Os atrasos inesperados vão adiar o término do projeto de construção.
2. in sports, to slow down the pace in order to extend the duration of a competition or match
The team decided to delay the finish by playing defensively in the final minutes.
O time decidiu adiar o final jogando defensivamente nos últimos minutos.