respite

[ res-pit ]
/ ˈrɛs pɪt /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR respite ON THESAURUS.COM

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.).

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

OTHER WORDS FROM respite

un·res·pit·ed, adjective

Words nearby respite

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

Words related to respite

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

Example sentences 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 of respite

respiteless, adjective

Word Origin for respite

C13: from Old French respit, from Latin respectus a looking back; see respect