respite
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.
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.).
Origin of respite
1Other words for respite
Other words from respite
- un·res·pit·ed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use respite in a sentence
From time to time in the brief respites Prime shouted encouragement to his canoe-mate.
Stranded in Arcady | Francis LyndeSeveral others were capital respites, who had been guilty of atrocious crimes.
The History of Tasmania , Volume II (of 2) | John WestAt nightfall, after two half-hour respites for dinner and tea, he was so tired that he could scarcely stand.
The Minister's Charge | William Dean HowellsThis continued for two solid hours, with brief respites to allow both musicians and dancers a chance to "rest up."
The Chums of Scranton High | Donald FergusonLike a coward, I kept on allowing myself successive respites, vowing to rise heroically after each.
In the Field (1914-1915) | Marcel Dupont
British Dictionary definitions for respite
/ (ˈrɛspɪt, -paɪt) /
a pause from exertion; interval of rest
a temporary delay
a temporary stay of execution; reprieve
(tr) to grant a respite to; reprieve
Origin of respite
1Derived forms of respite
- respiteless, adjective
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
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