deference
n.n. a polite way of showing respect to someone who is more powerful or older than you. You use this when you want to be polite and not challenge someone's authority.
n. a polite respect or yielding to the opinion or wishes of another, especially one of higher rank or age. Often implies a social hierarchy where the subject chooses not to assert their own will.
He showed great deference to his elders.
The junior staff showed deference to the senior partner during the meeting, allowing him to lead the discussion.
In many traditional cultures, deference is not merely a social courtesy but a legal requirement, ensuring that younger generations do not challenge the established authority of their ancestors.
From French déférence. Morphologically defer + -ence.