Meanings
- uncountableA policy or habit of behaving deferentially.
All these forms of deference, and their combined outcome of deferentialism, are problematic for the role of the judiciary as guardians of constitutionalism and human rights.
2016, Martin Scheinin, Helle Krunke, Marina Aksenova, Judges as Guardians of Constitutionalism and Human Rights1 more example
Some observers have concluded that an important element in the Conservative survival has been 'deferentialism', a reminder of a fundamental respect for a ruling — or at least an officer — class.
1972, Robert Rhodes James, Ambitions and Realities: British Politics 1964-70, page 91
Origin
Cite this entry
deferentialism. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/deferentialism
“deferentialism.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/deferentialism. Accessed November 3, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “deferentialism,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/deferentialism.
Source: deferentialism on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.