WordWeb Online

1. A (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort
   - respite
    
2. An interruption in the intensity or amount of something
   - suspension, respite, hiatus, abatement
    
3. (law) a warrant granting postponement (usually to postpone the execution of the death sentence)
    
4. (law) the act of reprieving; postponing or remitting punishment
   - respite

1. Postpone the punishment of a convicted criminal, such as an execution
   - respite
    
2. Relieve temporarily

Derived forms: reprieving, reprieved, reprieves

Type of: break, clemency, defer, deliver, ease, hold over, interruption, mercifulness, mercy, postpone, prorogue, put off, put over, relief, remit, rescue, set back, shelve, table [N. Amer], warrant

Encyclopedia: Reprieve