verb, -ferred, -fer⋅ring.| 1. | to put off (action, consideration, etc.) to a future time: The decision has been deferred by the board until next week. |
| 2. | to exempt temporarily from induction into military service. |
| 3. | to put off action; delay. |
de·fer 2 (dĭ-fûr') v. de·ferred, de·fer·ring, de·fers v. intr. To submit to the opinion, wishes, or decision of another through respect or in recognition of his or her authority, knowledge, or judgment. See Synonyms at yield. v. tr. To commit or entrust to another. [Middle English deferen, from Old French deferer, from Latin dēferre, to carry away, refer to : dē-, de- + ferre, to carry; see bher-1 in Indo-European roots.] de·fer'rer n. |