Meaning & Definition of word "Defer"

Defer

/dɪˈfɜr/

verb:

  • 1. to put off (action) to a future time; to postpone.
    • Example: We have decided to defer the meeting until next week.
  • 2. to yield respectfully in judgment or opinion to the wishes or decisions of another.
    • Example: I will defer to your expertise on this matter.
  • 3. to submit to another's wishes, opinion, or decision.
    • Example: The committee chose to defer to the board for the final decision.

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin 'differre', meaning 'to carry apart, delay' (dif- + ferre 'to carry').

Common Phrases and Expressions

defer to:

To submit to the judgment or decision of another.

defer payment:

To postpone the payment due.

defer action:

To delay taking action on an issue.

Related Words

deference:

Respectful submission or yielding to the judgment of another.

deferment:

The action of postponing or delaying something.

deferral:

An act of delaying or postponing.

Slang Meanings of defer

Meaning: To push something off for later, often used in a casual context.

Example Sentence: I'll just defer that assignment until tomorrow.