respite
1 of 2noun/ˈrɛspɪt/
Forms:respites
1
a pause or break from activity, often to rest or relax
- After hours of hiking, they took a respite by the lake.
- The lunch break was a welcome respite from the long meeting.
- She found a brief respite in the quiet garden.
- The soldiers enjoyed a short respite between drills.
- Reading offered him a daily respite from his worries.
2
a temporary easing or reduction of something unpleasant or difficult
- The cool breeze brought a respite from the summer heat.
- Medication gave her a brief respite from the pain.
- The ceasefire provided a respite from the fighting.
- Heavy curtains gave a respite from the glaring sunlight.
- There was little respite from the constant pressure of deadlines.
Synonyms:
3
the postponement or cancellation of punishment, especially in a legal context
- The governor granted the prisoner a respite from execution.
- His lawyer appealed for a respite to prepare a stronger case.
- The court allowed a respite of thirty days before sentencing.
- They were given a respite to repay the fine.
- The king offered a respite as an act of mercy.
Synonyms: