respite

[res-pit]

noun

1. a delay or cessation for a time, especially of anything distressing or trying; an interval of relief.

   to toil without respite.

   Synonyms: recess, rest, hiatus

2. temporary suspension of the execution of a person condemned to death; reprieve.

   Synonyms: stay, postponement

verb (used with object)

respited, respiting 

1. to relieve temporarily, especially from anything distressing or trying; give an interval of relief from.

   Synonyms: alleviate

2. to grant delay in the carrying out of (a punishment, obligation, etc.).

   Synonyms: suspend, postpone

respite

/ ˈrɛspɪt, -paɪt /

noun

1. a pause from exertion; interval of rest

2. a temporary delay

3. a temporary stay of execution; reprieve

verb

1. (tr) to grant a respite to; reprieve

Other Word Forms

• unrespited adjective
• respiteless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of respite¹

First recorded in 1200–50; (for the noun) Middle English respit, from Old French, from Latin respectus “action of looking back, consideration, regard”; (for the verb) Middle English respiten, from Old French respitier, from Latin respectāre “to await, keep looking around,” from respicere “to look back”; respect

Word History and Origins

Origin of respite¹

C13: from Old French respit , from Latin respectus a looking back; see _respect

Example Sentences

Lined at the entrance were tents stuffed with bootleg tour merch and fans seeking respite from the water.

From Los Angeles Times

"I really feel that we need opportunities and respite and support," Ms Ward said.

From BBC

"The people of Epping are under great strain. As schools return this week, I appeal to the protest organisers to show restraint and give our families and children some much needed respite."

From BBC

"As schools return this week, I appeal to the protest organisers to show restraint and give our families and children some much needed respite."

From BBC

The 53-year-old said for four years she repeatedly asked the authorities for respite care but was only offered parenting courses.

From BBC

Related Words

• breather 
• breathing space 
• downtime 
• hiatus 
• interruption 
• layoff 
• letup 
• lull 
• recess 
• relaxation 
• relief 
• reprieve 
• truce