postponement

[ pohst-pohn-muhnt, pohs- ]

noun

1. the act of putting something off to a later time; deferral:

   Taking your sick or injured pet to the veterinarian should be prompt, as any postponement can lead to ongoing medical issues.

2. the act of placing a thing below something else in importance or after something else in sequence (now used most often in grammar):

   Historically, inheritance laws tended toward a postponement of the claims of female kin to those of male kin.

   In English, the end position in a sentence is normally reserved for the key point, so postponement of an element is a way of emphasizing it.

Other Words From

• non·post·pone·ment noun
• self-post·pone·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of postponement¹

postpone ( def ) + -ment ( def )

Example Sentences

It is a postponement of reporting the details to ensure that a jury is not influenced and base their decision solely on the evidence they hear in court.

From BBC

"Gerard Depardieu is extremely affected and unfortunately his doctors have forbid him from being present at the hearing, which is why he will ask for a postponement to a later date so that he can attend", Jeremie Assous told local media.

From BBC

The center did not provide a reason for the postponement.

From Los Angeles Times

At least two union members requested a postponement of the vote because some Jewish members were not present due to the Jewish holiday of Shemini Atzeret.

From Los Angeles Times

However, Gachagua, popularly known as Riggy G, did not show up and his lawyer requested a postponement saying his client was suffering from chest pains and was being treated by doctors at The Karen Hospital.

From BBC

Related Words

• adjournment
• freeze
• halt
• pause
• respite
• stay
• suspension