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defer1 definition

de·fer (dē fʉr′, di-)

transitive verb, intransitive verb deferred -·ferred′, deferring -·fer′·ring

  1. to put off to a future time; postpone; delay
  2. to postpone the induction of (a person) into compulsory military service

Etymology: ME differren < OFr differer: see differ

Related Forms:

defer2 definition

de·fer (dē fʉr′, di-)

intransitive verb deferred -·ferred′, deferring -·fer′·ring

to give in to the wish or judgment of another, as in showing respect; yield with courtesy (to)

Etymology: ME deferen < OFr deferer, to yield, pay deference to < L deferre, to bring down < de-, down + ferre, to bear

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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