'postpose' originates from Latin and Old French elements: specifically the Latin prefix 'post-' and the Latin root 'ponere' (via Old French 'poser'), where 'post-' meant 'after' and 'ponere/poser' meant 'to place'.

'postpose' was formed in English by combining Latin 'post-' + (via Old French) 'poser'/'pose' (from Latin 'ponere'). The formation and use in English were influenced by related terms such as 'postposition' and 'postpone', resulting in the modern English verb 'postpose'.

Initially it meant 'to place after' (in order or position); over time it has also been used in some contexts to mean 'to delay' or 'defer', though the primary sense remains 'to put after'.