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

Scientific observation, rather than being a place of respite from fear, itself has become something else to rail against.

From The Daily Beast

The Michigan waiver benefits include, besides the staff at home, respite care and environmental adaptations.

From The Daily Beast

There is no respite from the destruction as I drive into the UNRWA compound.

From The Daily Beast

He admits that drugs may have saved his life early on because they offered respite from the sadness.

From The Daily Beast

Jimmy Fallon's uncontainable glee is a welcome respite from late night's usual smarm and snark, but that's Fallon's thing.

From The Daily Beast

On the whole,91 it may be seriously doubted whether the respite extended beyond a couple of months, or even six weeks.

From Project Gutenberg

He had a moment's respite now, for Fortunio stung—though lightly was not likely to come again until he had others to support him.

From Project Gutenberg

Under Gordian and Philip a respite was again granted to the persecuted church.

From Project Gutenberg

I never slept, except by day, when exhausted nature at length claimed some respite.

From Project Gutenberg

We can also understand the eagerness with which the Roman welcomed a respite from civic and social duties.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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