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

Related Words

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