STALL

(DELAY) [verb] [I] - to delay taking action or avoid giving an answer in order to have more time to make a decision or obtain an advantageStop stalling and give me a decision.She says she'll give me the money next week but I think she's just stalling for time.If you stall a person, you delay them or prevent them from doing something for a period of time.I managed to stall him for a few days until I'd got enough money to pay back the loan.(esp. US) The thief broke into the office while his accomplice stalled off the security guard.If you stall an event, you delay it or prevent it from happening for a period of time.The commander was confident his troops would be able to stall an enemy attack by destroying bridges and blocking roads.Fears are growing that a tax increase may stall economic recovery.