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Noun: respite  re-spit [N. Amer], 'res,pIt [Brit]
  1. A (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort
    - reprieve
     
  2. A pause from doing something (as work)
    "we took a 10-minute respite";
    - recess, break, time out
     
  3. An interruption in the intensity or amount of something
    - suspension, reprieve, hiatus, abatement
     
  4. A pause for relaxation
    "people actually accomplish more when they take time for short respites";
    - rest, relief, rest period
     
  5. (law) the act of reprieving; postponing or remitting punishment
    - reprieve
Verb: respite  re-spit [N. Amer], 'res,pIt [Brit]
  1. Postpone the punishment of a convicted criminal, such as an execution
    - reprieve

Derived forms: respited, respites, respiting

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

Encyclopedia: Respite