put-off

(noun) a pretext for delay or inaction. Synonyms: putoff.

(verb) hold back to a later time. Synonyms: postpone, prorogue, hold over, put over, table, shelve, set back, defer, remit, put off. Example: "Let's postpone the exam."

(verb) cause to feel intense dislike or distaste. Synonyms: turn off, put off.

(verb) take away the enthusiasm of. Synonyms: dishearten, put off.

(verb) cause to feel embarrassment. Synonyms: confuse, flurry, disconcert, put off. Example: "The constant attention of the young man confused her."

(verb) avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues). Synonyms: hedge, fudge, evade, put off, circumvent, parry, elude, skirt, dodge, duck, sidestep. Examples: "He dodged the issue." "She skirted the problem." "They tend to evade their responsibilities." "He evaded the questions skillfully."