Expect a delay (5)
I believe the answer is:
await
'expect' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'a delay' is the wordplay.
'delay' becomes 'wait' (synonyms).
'a'+'wait'='AWAIT'
(Other definitions for await that I've seen before include "Stay around for" , "Remain for (someone)" , "To be in store for (someone)" , "Expect, anticipate" , "Look for; be in store" .)