1. (

• deference ,
• respect ,

) a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard; "his deference to her wishes was very flattering"; "be sure to give my respects to the dean" ;

2. (

• deference ,
• respect ,
• respectfulness

) courteous regard for people's feelings; "in deference to your wishes"; "out of respect for his privacy" ;

3. (

• complaisance ,
• compliance ,
• compliancy ,
• obligingness ,
• deference

) a disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others ;