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: postponement, stay

verb (used with object)

, res·pit·ed, res·pit·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈrespiteless, adjective

Other Words From

• un·respit·ed 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

Southern California will have a respite from hot, dry weather this weekend as colder temperatures sweep in — bringing with them the possibility of scattered rain showers and snow in the mountains.

From Los Angeles Times

He first started respite care when he was four, as his mother needed help because she felt his behaviour was no longer manageable at home.

From BBC

Most of them, as before, did not appear to care what was happening that night with the election, or maybe they just wanted some respite or escape from it.

From Salon

We had more than 145,000 people tune into these livestreams looking for a place of respite, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive with people sharing their appreciation across social channels.

From Salon

In those moments I feel so far from home — my original home, on the East Coast in the inner city, where my closest natural respite was a patch of grass beside a fire hydrant.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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