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

Boone said the program has been a welcome respite from the furlough.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

After Monday's 18-innings epic drained the energy of both teams' bullpens, the Dodgers and Blue Jays were banking on long outings from their starting pitchers to give their relief corps some respite.

Read more on BBC

Bird flu outbreaks are climbing again on U.S. chicken and turkey farms, ending a respite from the virus that sent egg prices soaring last year and raised fears of a new human pandemic.

Read more on Barron's

In the courtyard outside the museum, we enjoyed a peaceful respite from the street performers and tour groups crowding the Royal Mile.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The inflation number and gilt rate falls offer the chance of some respite, for a break in the circle of doom.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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