1. (

• reprieve ,
• respite

) a (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort ;

2. (

• respite ,
• recess ,
• break ,
• time_out

) a pause from doing something (as work); "we took a 10-minute break"; "he took time out to recuperate" ;

3. (

• suspension ,
• respite ,
• reprieve ,
• hiatus ,
• abatement ,

) an interruption in the intensity or amount of something ;

4. (

• respite ,
• rest ,
• relief ,
• rest_period

) a pause for relaxation; "people actually accomplish more when they take time for short rests" ;

5. (

• reprieve ,
• respite ,

) the act of reprieving; postponing or remitting punishment ;

1. (

• reprieve ,
• respite ,

) postpone the punishment of a convicted criminal, such as an execution ;