transitive verb preferred -·ferred′, preferring -·fer′·ring

1. to put before someone else in rank, office, etc.; promote; advance
2. to put before a magistrate, administrator, court, etc. for consideration, sanction, or redress to prefer charges against an attacker
3. to put before something or someone else in one's liking, opinion, etc.; like better
4. to give preference or priority to (a creditor, etc.)

Etymology: ME preferren < MFr preferer < L praeferre, to place before < prae-, pre- + ferre, bear