Defer

Pronunciation

• IPA: /dɪˈfɜː(ɹ)/
• Rhymes: -ɜː(r)

• From Old French differer, from Latin differre.

Full definition of defer

Verb

1. (transitive) To delay or postpone; especially to postpone induction into military service.
• ShakespeareDefer the spoil of the city until night.
• 1818, Mary Shelley, Frankenstein Chapter 3, My departure for Ingolstadt, which had been deferred by these events, was now again determined upon.
2. (intransitive) to delay, to wait
• MiltonGod ... will not long defer
  To vindicate the glory of his name.

Related terms

• differ

Derived terms

• deferral

• From Middle French deferer, from Latin deferre

Verb

1. (legal) To submit to the opinion or desire of another in respect to their judgment or authority.
• Francis BaconHereupon the commissioners ... deferred the matter to the Earl of Northumberland.
• 1899, Joseph Conrad, ,"Well, I must defer to your judgment. You are captain," he said with marked civility.
2. to render, to offer
• Brevintworship deferred to the Virgin

Derived terms

• deference

Anagrams

• freed
• refed