respite
[ res-pit ]
/ ˈrɛs pɪt /
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 care,
- resplendence,
- resplendent,
- resplendent quetzal,
- resplendently
Origin of respite
SYNONYMS FOR respite
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web 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
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
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respite
mid-13c., from Old French respit "delay, respect" (Modern French répit), from Latin respectus "consideration, recourse, regard" (see respect (n.)).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper