definitions

respite

[ res-pit ]
/ ˈrɛs pɪt /
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noun

a delay or cessation for a time, especially of anything distressing or trying; an interval of relief: to toil without respite.
temporary suspension of the execution of a person condemned to death; reprieve.

verb (used with object), res·pit·ed, res·pit·ing.

to relieve temporarily, especially from anything distressing or trying; give an interval of relief from.
to grant delay in the carrying out of (a punishment, obligation, etc.).

RELATED WORDS

reprieve, interruption, layoff, letup, downtime, hiatus, breather, recess, relief, relaxation, truce, lull, pardon, deferment, rest, deliverance, exculpation, delay, ease, breath

Nearby words

respiratory system, respiratory tract, respire, respirometer, respirometry, respite, respite care, resplendence, resplendent, resplendent quetzal, resplendently

Origin of respite

1200–50; (noun) Middle English respit < Old French < Latin respectus (see respect); (v.) Middle English respiten < Old French respitier < Latin respectāre, frequentative of respicere to look back; see respect

Related forms

un·res·pit·ed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for respite

British Dictionary definitions for respite

respite

/ (ˈrɛspɪt, -paɪt) /

noun

a pause from exertion; interval of rest
a temporary delay
a temporary stay of execution; reprieve

verb

(tr) to grant a respite to; reprieve

Derived Forms

respiteless, adjective

Word Origin for respite

C13: from Old French respit, from Latin respectus a looking back; see respect
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012