postpone

[pohst-pohn, pohs-]

verb (used with object)

postponed, postponing 

1. to put off to a later time; defer.

   He has postponed his departure until tomorrow.

2. to place after in order of importance or estimation; subordinate.

   to postpone private ambitions to the public welfare.

postpone

/ pəʊstˈpəʊn, pəˈspəʊn /

verb

1. to put off or delay until a future time

2. to put behind in order of importance; defer

Other Word Forms

• postponement noun
• postponer noun
• postponable adjective
• nonpostponable adjective
• repostpone verb (used with object)
• unpostponable adjective
• unpostponed adjective
• well-postponed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of postpone¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; from Latin postpōnere “to put after, lay aside,” equivalent to post- post- + pōnere “to put”

Word History and Origins

Origin of postpone¹

C16: from Latin postpōnere to put after, neglect, from _post- + ponere to place

Synonym Study

See defer ¹.

Example Sentences

The event had been scheduled to take place Sept. 10 but was postponed after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk earlier that day.

From Los Angeles Times

Friday's show was held almost a week late, after a strike by London transport workers forced the band to postpone.

From BBC

So was Kelly Loftus, then a varsity assistant coach, who postponed his retirement.

From Los Angeles Times

Originally scheduled to perform in March and April, Mötley Crüe postponed its Las Vegas shows so the lead singer could undergo an undisclosed medical procedure.

From Los Angeles Times

"Since the case files, servers, and the courtroom were severely damaged in the fire, the hearings scheduled for today have been postponed," said a notice issued by the Supreme Court's chief registrar.

From BBC

Related Words

• adjourn 
• defer 
• delay 
• hold up 
• shelve 
• suspend