respite

American  

[res-pit] / ˈrɛs pɪt /

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

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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 British  

/ ˈrɛspɪt, -paɪt /

noun

1. a pause from exertion; interval of rest

2. a temporary delay

3. a temporary stay of execution; reprieve

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verb

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

Other Word Forms

• respiteless
  adjective
• unrespited
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of respite

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”; see respect

Explanation

A respite is a break from something that's difficult or unpleasant. If you're cramming for exams, take an occasional walk to give yourself a respite from the intensity. Respite may look like it rhymes with despite, but this word has a stress on its first syllable (RES-pit). It comes from the Latin word respectus, meaning refuge, but we almost always use respite to describe a time, not a place, of relief. If you've been fighting with your partner, a visit from a friend might offer a brief respite from the argument, but the fight will pick up again when she leaves.

Example Sentences

Respite and relief came from prayer, ritual and the traditional Sabbath meals and menus that Ms. Ziegelman conjures with care.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

Respite care allows families of children and young people with specific needs the chance to take a break from their caring responsibilities.

From BBC • Nov. 11, 2023

Communications between CBP and Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, as well as communications with the Humanitarian Respite Center are also requested.

From Fox News • Feb. 9, 2022

At the end of February, Light landed Jackson a bed at Harborview’s Medical Respite program, a stopgap shelter next to the hospital doctors use so they don’t have to discharge patients directly to the street.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 9, 2022

Fain would the Maaseyk Town-Baths have shut their gates on him; desperately conjuring him, "Respite for a few hours, till we send to Liege for instructions!"

From History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 11 by Carlyle, Thomas

Related Words

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