defer

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defer[1,transitive verb] defer[2,verb]

Main Entry: ¹de·fer
Pronunciation: di-'f&r
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): de·ferred; de·fer·ring
Etymology: Middle English deferren, differren, from Middle French differer, from Latin differre to postpone, be different -- more at DIFFER
1 : PUT OFF, DELAY
2 : to postpone induction of (a person) into military service
- de·fer·rer noun
synonyms DEFER, POSTPONE, SUSPEND, STAY mean to delay an action or proceeding. DEFER implies a deliberate putting off to a later time <deferred buying a car until spring>. POSTPONE implies an intentional deferring usually to a definite time <the game is postponed until Saturday>. SUSPEND implies temporary stoppage with an added suggestion of waiting until some condition is satisfied <business will be suspended while repairs are under way>. STAY often suggests the stopping or checking by an intervening agency or authority <the governor stayed the execution>.