deference

American  

[def-er-uhns] / ˈdɛf ər əns /

noun

1. respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, will, etc., of another.

2. respectful or courteous regard.

   in deference to his wishes.

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deference British  

/ ˈdɛfərəns /

noun

1. submission to or compliance with the will, wishes, etc, of another

2. courteous regard; respect

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Other Word Forms

• nondeference noun

Etymology

Origin of deference

1640–50; < French déf érence, Middle French, equivalent to defer ( er ) to defer ² + -ence -ence

Example Sentences

Out of misguided deference to supposed victims, they have been largely aiming their ire in the wrong direction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

Plus, she has a trad wife thing going on, emphasizing her deference to her husband’s decisions.

From Slate • Feb. 27, 2026

There were, though, some concerns expressed about those conventions — and a sense from some that for too long custom had been the midwife of deference and that must change.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

It was the first time in nearly four centuries that a senior British royal was placed under arrest, and it underscored how deference to the monarchy has eroded in recent years.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

In deference to his bosses, Theo hangs the more traditional paintings on the ground floor, and the modern paintings on the entresol.

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman

Related Words

• civility
• courtesy
• reverence