respite

Noun · Verb
US[res-pit]/ˈrɛspɪt/2 syllables
Synonyms: reprieverecessbreaktime outsuspensionhiatusabatementrestreliefrest period

Open English WordNet

Noun (5)

  1. a (temporary) relief from harm or discomfortSynonyms: reprieveType of relief, ease
  2. a pause from doing something (as work)“we took a 10-minute break”“he took time out to recuperate”Synonyms: recessbreaktime outType of pauseKinds spring break
  3. an interruption in the intensity or amount of somethingSynonyms: suspensionreprievehiatusabatementType of interruption, breakKinds remission, defervescence
  4. a pause for relaxation“people actually accomplish more when they take time for short rests”Synonyms: restreliefrest periodType of pause, intermissionKinds breath, breather
  5. the act of reprieving; postponing or remitting punishmentSynonyms: reprieveType of clemency, mercifulness

Verb (1)respited, respiting

  1. postpone the punishment of a convicted criminal, such as an executionSynonyms: reprieveMore general postpone, prorogue

Related words pause verb

Word of the day · Oct 15About this word
exemplaryadjective

What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz

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Webster's Dictionary (1913)

Res′pite (r?s′p?t), noun

Origin: OF. respit, F. répit, from L. respectus respect, regard, delay, in LL., the deferring of a day. See Respect.

1. A putting off of that which was appointed; a postponement or delay.

I crave but four day's respite.— William Shakespeare

2. Temporary intermission of labor, or of any process or operation; interval of rest; pause; delay. “Without more respite.” Geoffrey Chaucer

Some pause and respite only I require.— Sir John Denham

3. Law (a) Temporary suspension of the execution of a capital offender; reprieve. (b) The delay of appearance at court granted to a jury beyond the proper term.

Synonyms: Pause; interval; stop; cessation; delay; postponement; stay; reprieve.

Res′pite transitive verb [past tense & past participle Respited; present participle & verbal noun Respiting.]

Origin: OF. respiter, LL. respectare. See Respite, noun

To give or grant a respite to. Specifically: (a) To delay or postpone; to put off. (b) To keep back from execution; to reprieve.

Forty days longer we do respite you.— William Shakespeare

(c) To relieve by a pause or interval of rest. “To respite his day labor with repast.” John Milton

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54

The Devil's Dictionary

RESPITE, n. A suspension of hostilities against a sentenced assassin, to enable the Executive to determine whether the murder may not have been done by the prosecuting attorney. Any break in the continuity of a disagreeable expectation.

Altgeld upon his incandescent bed Lay, an attendant demon at his head.

"O cruel cook, pray grant me some relief -- Some respite from the roast, however brief."

"Remember how on earth I pardoned all Your friends in Illinois when held in thrall."

"Unhappy soul! for that alone you squirm O'er fire unquenched, a never-dying worm.

"Yet, for I pity your uneasy state, Your doom I'll mollify and pains abate.

"Naught, for a season, shall your comfort mar, Not even the memory of who you are."

Throughout eternal space dread silence fell; Heaven trembled as Compassion entered Hell.

"As long, sweet demon, let my respite be As, governing down here, I'd respite thee."

"As long, poor soul, as any of the pack You thrust from jail consumed in getting back."

A genial chill affected Altgeld's hide While they were turning him on t'other side. Joel Spate Woop

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