stay of execution
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But sometimes courts have to act to prevent harm as litigation continues at its ordinary pace—for example, by issuing a stay of execution while considering a death-penalty appeal.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 26, 2026
However, the Dane was handed a stay of execution and his players delivered a first home win since December 9 to quell speculation on his future for a few days at least.
From Barron's ● Jan. 20, 2026
Even with their flaws and mistakes, Rob Pelinka and rookie coach JJ Redick earned at least a stay of execution.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 5, 2025
When a man with robust claims of innocence asks for a stay of execution to press his claims of actual innocence?
From Slate ● Sep. 25, 2024
A petition for certiorari, a request to review a lower court's ruling, is very rarely granted, but I'd known all along that the Supreme Court was our best chance for a stay of execution.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
