reprieve

/ɹɪpɹˈiːv/

/ɹiˈpɹiv/

[noun] [verb]

Reprieve

[NOUN]

a (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort

synonyms : respite

the act of reprieving; postponing or remitting punishment

synonyms : respite

a warrant granting postponement (usually to postpone the execution of the death sentence)

an interruption in the intensity or amount of something

synonyms : abatement

to reprieve

MAIN VERB

relieve temporarily

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

synonyms : respite

Examples

1. Acknowledging that a drowning man will clutch at a straw, the defendant grasped at the flimsy alibi even though it appeared implausible, hoping it might provide some reprieve from the charges against him.

2. I need reprieve.

3. And 'reprieve' is the cancellation or the postponement of a punishment.

4. The rice in the seaweed is a nice reprieve.