Read the following poem and attempt the question :

Harlem

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore -
And then run?
Does is stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over -
like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.

Or does is explode?

What do you mean by the word 'deferred'?

delay

The correct answer is Option (3) - delay

The word 'deferred' means: delay

In the context of the poem, "deferred" refers to dreams that have been postponed or delayed, highlighting the consequences of not pursuing or realizing those dreams.