lag
1 of 2verb/læg/
Forms:lags,lagging,lagged,lagged
1
to fall behind in progress or development
- Despite the team's best efforts, progress on the project began to lag.
- The economic recovery continued to lag compared to other sectors.
- She noticed her energy levels lagging as the day progressed.
- The manufacturing process lagged due to supply chain disruptions.
Synonyms:
2
to cover or wrap a boiler, pipes, or similar items with material that helps retain heat
transitive- They lagged the pipes to prevent heat from escaping during the winter.
- The workers lagged the boiler to improve its energy efficiency.
- To prevent freezing, they lagged the outdoor pipes with thick insulation.
- It’s important to lag the pipes in older homes to save on heating costs.
- They lagged the system’s pipes as part of the building’s energy upgrades.
3
to catch, arrest, or imprison someone
transitive- The police lagged the suspect after a long investigation.
- The judge ordered the criminal to be lagged until the trial.
- Authorities lagged the criminals as they tried to flee the country.
- The detectives were able to lag the suspect before he escaped.
- He was lagged for his involvement in the robbery.