postpone

[ pohst-pohn, pohs- ]

verb (used with object)

, post·poned, post·pon·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• postˈponement, noun
• postˈponer, noun
• postˈponable, adjective

Other Words From

• post·pon·a·ble adjective
• post·pone·ment noun
• post·pon·er noun
• non·post·pon·a·ble adjective
• re·post·pone verb (used with object) repostponed repostponing
• un·post·pon·a·ble adjective
• un·post·poned adjective
• well-post·poned 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

Bragg went on to say that “Consideration must be given to various non-dismissal options” including postponing all remaining proceedings in the case “until after the defendant’s upcoming presidential term.”

From Salon

Fernandez said he told them they could postpone games for a week, two weeks, three weeks.

From Los Angeles Times

The fight, initially scheduled for July, was postponed in May on medical advice after Tyson suffered from a stomach ulcer flare-up which he has now revealed was more serious than it first appeared.

From BBC

The county has yet to approve bond financing for the new ballpark, postponing an October vote in the wake of the hurricane.

From Los Angeles Times

The fight was postponed in the summer when Tyson suffered a stomach ulcer; the Brooklyn fighter feared he might die.

From BBC

Related Words

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