English Dictionary

Definition of “defer”

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1defer1 (dɪˈfɜːPronunciation for defer1) 

Definitions

verb

  1. (tr) to delay or cause to be delayed until a future time; postpone

Alternative Forms

deˈferrable deˈferable adjective deˈferrer noun

Word Origin

C14: from Old French differer to be different, postpone; see differ

Synonyms

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= postpone, delay, put off, suspend, shelve, set aside, adjourn, hold over, procrastinate, put on ice put on the back burner protract, take a rain check on prorogue,

2defer2 (dɪˈfɜːPronunciation for defer2) 

Definitions

verb

  1. (intr)  foll by to to yield (to) or comply (with) the wishes or judgments of another  ⇒ I defer to your superior knowledge 

Word Origin

C15: from Latin dēferre,  literally: to bear down, from de- + ferre to bear

Synonyms

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= comply with give way to, submit to bow to give in to yield to accede to capitulate to

Usage examples

  • At first she wanted to defer announcing it until July and marry at Christmas.
    Dare Call It Treason
  • By allowing students to defer without having to cite serious illness, the university encourages that mentality.
    Spiked (2004)
  • Indeed, such was the state of the pitch at 7.0 p. m. nobody complained about the referee's decision to defer the game.
    Irish Times (2002)
  • Or they could face a year of disruption as they defer entrance to start courses next year.
    Sun, News of the World (2002)
  • An Illinois traveller's diary Sunday first of November I was obliged to defer my departure, my Horse not having been found.
    Eric Newby, A BOOK OF LANDS AND PEOPLES (2003)

Commonness

All English words that begin with 'D'

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