postpone

[pohst-pohn, pohs-]

verb (used with object)

postponed, postponing 

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

Other Word Forms

• postponement noun
• postponer noun
• postponable adjective
• nonpostponable adjective
• repostpone verb (used with object)
• unpostponable adjective
• unpostponed adjective
• well-postponed 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

In some cases, it has resulted in sites being partially closed to the public and planned conservation work being postponed to prioritise repairs.

From BBC

The young adult rom-com follows Avery Blackwell, a rising college freshman who postpones her plans to attend Columbia after a note from her late mother sends her on a scavenger hunt in England.

From Los Angeles Times

This would have clashed with his Tottenham shows, which were postponed on Friday morning.

From BBC

The King's trip to Birmingham, his first engagement of the autumn, had previously been postponed after he'd been taken ill with an adverse response to his cancer treatment.

From BBC

He has accused Russia of not being ready for diplomacy and seeking ways to postpone the end of the war.

From BBC

Related Words

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