noun (n)

• a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard(noun.act)

  Example:
  His deference to her wishes was very flattering.
  

  Synonym:
  respect
  

  source: wordnet30
• courteous regard for people's feelings(noun.attribute)

  Example:
  In deference to your wishes.
  

  Synonym:
  respect, respectfulness
  

  source: wordnet30
• a disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others(noun.attribute)

  Synonym:
  complaisance, compliance, compliancy, obligingness
  

  source: wordnet30
• A yielding of judgment or preference from respect to the wishes or opinion of another; submission in opinion; regard; respect; complaisance.(noun)

  source: webster1913