C1verbformalworkbusiness
US/dɪˈfɜːr/
UK/dɪˈfɜː/
to delay something until a later time
In context
She decided to defer her university place for a year and travel.
The board deferred the decision until more information was available.
You can defer payment on the loan for up to six months.
Words that go with defer
verb + noun
- defer a decisionWe will defer a decision until next week.
- defer paymentThe bank allowed him to defer payment for three months.
- defer judgmentIt is wise to defer judgment until you have heard both sides.
- defer actionLeaders cannot afford to defer action on climate change any longer.
verb + preposition
- defer untilThe meeting was deferred until Monday.
- defer to someoneOn medical matters, I always defer to the doctor.