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

There are some respites from the training, the running and marching, the room full of tear gas, the dead man’s float test, the hand-to-hand combat, the flower planting.

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

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

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"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."

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

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Related Words

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