The phrase "time delay" refers to a pause or latency between an event and its consequences. In technical terms, it is the interval between a cause and its effect, typically used in signal processing, control systems, communication, and transportation. Some synonyms for time delay include lag time, latency, response time, interval, retardation, delay time, and speed bump. These words describe a similar phenomenon, but each has its unique connotation. For instance, lag time implies a delay due to the technical limitations of a system, whereas latency describes the time it takes for data to travel between devices. Overall, these different words provide a rich lexicon to describe the nuances of delays experienced across multiple domains.