reprieve

[ ri-preev ]

verb (used with object)

, re·prieved, re·priev·ing.

1. to delay the impending punishment or sentence of (a condemned person).
2. to relieve temporarily from any evil.

noun

1. a respite from impending punishment, as from execution of a sentence of death.
2. a warrant authorizing this.
3. any respite or temporary relief.

   Synonyms: postponement, deferment, stay, delay

reprieve

/ rɪˈpriːv /

verb

1. to postpone or remit the punishment of (a person, esp one condemned to death)
2. to give temporary relief to (a person or thing), esp from otherwise irrevocable harm

   the government has reprieved the company with a huge loan

noun

1. a postponement or remission of punishment, esp of a person condemned to death
2. a warrant granting a postponement
3. a temporary relief from pain or harm; respite
4. the act of reprieving or the state of being reprieved

Derived Forms

• reˈpriever, noun
• reˈprievable, adjective

Other Words From

• re·priever noun
• unre·prieved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reprieve¹

First recorded in 1300–50; perhaps conflation of Middle English repreven “to contradict,” variant of reproven “to rebuke,” apparently taken in literal sense “to prove again, test again,” and Middle English repried (past participle of reprien “to bring back”), from Old French reprit (past participle of reprendre “to take back”; reprise, reprove,

Word History and Origins

Origin of reprieve¹

C16: from Old French repris (something) taken back, from reprendre to take back, from Latin reprehendere ; perhaps also influenced by obsolete English repreve to reprove

Synonym Study

See pardon.

Example Sentences

Yet there is little sign McDonald sees prison as anything other than a temporary reprieve for the people whose lives he shatters, with police believing the number of victims could reach three figures.

From BBC

Harbaugh might as well take a reprieve while he can, as the upcoming stretch of games should reveal whether the Chargers actually have become overnight contenders under his watch or were beneficiaries of a soft early-season schedule.

From Los Angeles Times

While Joe Biden, with his working-class-friendly reputation built over half a century, won enough back to take the White House in 2020, his success proved to be only a temporary reprieve.

From BBC

The government hopes short fixes will provide reprieve, but says long term solutions - like improving public transport - will take time.

From BBC

Form did not improve for Pegula at the start of the second set as Krejcikova broke her serve at the first opportunity, though there was a brief reprieve for the American as she cancelled that out in the next game.

From BBC

Related Words

• abatement
• absolution
• amnesty
• clemency
• deferment
• pardon
• postponement
• remission
• respite
• suspension
• truce