Real Dictionary

defer
verb: If you defer an event or action, you arrange for it to happen at a later date, rather than immediately or at the previously planned time.
verb: If you defer to someone, you accept their opinion or do what they want you to do, even when you do not agree with it yourself, because you respect them or their authority.

defer in American English 1
to put off to a future time; postpone; delay
intransitive verb: to put off action; delay
transitive verb: to put off (action, consideration, etc.) to a future time

defer in American English 2
to give in to the wish or judgment of another, as in showing respect; yield with courtesy (to)
intransitive verb: to yield respectfully in judgment or opinion
transitive verb: to submit for decision; refer

defer in British English 1
verb: to delay or cause to be delayed until a future time; postpone

defer in British English 2
verb: to yield (to) or comply (with) the wishes or judgments of another