deference

def·er·ence

noun \ˈde-fə-rən(t)s, ˈdef-rən(t)s\

Definition of DEFERENCE

: respect and esteem due a superior or an elder; also : affected or ingratiating regard for another's wishes

— in deference to

: in consideration of <returned early in deference to her parents' wishes>

Examples of DEFERENCE

1. Her relatives treat one another with deference.
2. He is shown much deference by his colleagues.
3. Deference to leaders and intolerance toward outsiders (and toward “enemies within”) are hallmarks of tribalism … —Benjamin R. Barber, Atlantic, March 1992
4. In the 1980s, in deference to the neighborhoods, City Hall would attempt a counter-reformation of downtown, forbidding “Manhattanization.” —Richard Rodriguez, Harper's, October 1990
5. She could have subtly appealed to the deference … she knew was still in there, encoded in their middle-aged hearts; she never did. —Peggy Noonan, New York Times Magazine, 16 Dec. 1990
6. A sense of deference to the upper class among whites made it possible, in Sproat's estimation, for white leaders to contain the white supremacists. —Robert L. Harris, Jr., American Historical Review, December 1987

Origin of DEFERENCE

(see ²defer)

First Known Use: 1660

Related to DEFERENCE

Synonyms

acquiescence, biddability, compliancy, compliance, docility, obedience, submissiveness

Antonyms

defiance, disobedience, intractability, recalcitrance

Related Words

amenability, amiability, complaisance, good-naturedness; obsequiousness, servility, slavishness, subservience, subserviency; conformity; cooperativeness, receptiveness, receptivity; humoring, indulgence; acceptance, assent, consent; capitulation, submission, surrender; affability, amicability, congeniality, cordiality, friendliness, geniality, sociability

Near Antonyms

animosity, antipathy, enmity, hostility, ill will

See Synonym Discussion at honor

Rhymes with DEFERENCE

reference