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Reprieve
01
a temporary alleviation from harm, difficulty, or discomfort
Examples
The cool breeze was a reprieve from the summer heat.
The holiday provided a brief reprieve from work stress.
02
a temporary postponement or cancellation of a punishment
Examples
The governor granted a last-minute reprieve to the condemned prisoner, giving the legal team additional time to present new evidence.
The court 's decision to offer a reprieve allowed the young offender to participate in a rehabilitation program instead of serving a lengthy sentence.
03
an interruption or temporary reduction in intensity or amount
Examples
The storm offered a brief reprieve in the middle of the week.
The medicine provided a reprieve from severe pain.
to reprieve
01
relieve temporarily
02
postpone the punishment of a convicted criminal, such as an execution
