n. The willingness to carry out the wishes of others.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. A yielding of judgment or preference from respect to the wishes or opinion of another; submission in opinion; regard; respect; complaisance.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. A yielding in opinion; submission to the opinion, judgment, or wish of another; hence, regard, respect, or submission in general: as, a blind deference to authority.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard
n. courteous regard for people's feelings
n. a disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others
Word Usage
"They asked for US help for missile defense, and were told to shove it, in deference Russia."