1. respectful submission to or compliance with the wishes or decisions of someone in a position of power or authority
The employee showed deference to authority by following the manager's instructions without question.
O funcionário demonstrou deferência à autoridade ao seguir as instruções do gerente sem questionar.
2. polite or courteous regard for someone's opinion, rank, or position
In traditional societies, there is often great deference to authority among younger generations.
Em sociedades tradicionais, muitas vezes há grande deferência à autoridade entre as gerações mais jovens.