1. Deciding that something will not be done when it was originally planned; however, it is intended to be accomplished at a later time: "Would you mind if we postpone the appointment until tomorrow?"

Repairs of the electrical-power lines that were damaged by the big snowstorm have been postponed for days because of the severe weather conditions.

Mr. Jenkins, the supermarket's owner, is postponing the grand opening of the store until the following Saturday.

Because of the heavy rain, the baseball game was postponed until Tuesday.

2. Etymology: from Latin postponere, "to put after, to neglect" from post "after" + ponere, "to put, to place".