respite Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort
    reprieve.
  2. noun a pause from doing something (as work)
    break; time out; recess.
    • we took a 10-minute break
    • he took time out to recuperate
  3. noun an interruption in the intensity or amount of something
    reprieve; suspension; abatement; hiatus.
  4. noun a pause for relaxation
    rest period; rest; relief.
    • people actually accomplish more when they take time for short rests
  5. noun the act of reprieving; postponing or remitting punishment
    reprieve.
  6. verb postpone the punishment of a convicted criminal, such as an execution
    reprieve.

WordNet

Res"pite noun
Etymology
OF. respit, F. répit, from L. respectus respect, regard, delay, in LL., the deferring of a day. See Respect.
Definitions
  1. A putting off of that which was appointed; a postponement or delay.
    I crave but four day's respite. Shak.
  2. Temporary intermission of labor, or of any process or operation; interval of rest; pause; delay. "Without more respite." Chaucer.
    Some pause and respite only I require. 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. Syn. -- Pause; interval; stop; cessation; delay; postponement; stay; reprieve.
Res"pite transitive verb
Etymology
OF. respiter, LL. respectare. See Respite, n.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Respited; present participle & verbal noun Respiting
Definitions
  1. 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. Shak.
    (c) To relieve by a pause or interval of rest. "To respite his day labor with repast." Milton.

Webster 1913