What is the act of slowing down or impeding an intruder's progress known as?

The act of slowing down or impeding an intruder's progress is specifically referred to as "delay." This term aptly captures the concept of causing a reduction in speed or hindering the forward movement of an individual who may pose a threat, allowing more time for a response or intervention.

In security contexts, delaying an intruder can be vital for implementing protective measures or alerting authorities. Employing various strategies, such as physical barriers, alarms, or other obstructions, can effectively contribute to this delay, making it a critical aspect of security planning and response strategies.

The other terms have distinct meanings that do not align with the concept of slowing down an intruder. "Deter" involves discouraging an action from taking place, "divert" refers to redirecting an individual's attention or path, and "detect" means to identify or discover the presence of something, none of which specifically indicate the act of impeding progress.