View synonyms for reprieve

reprieve

[ ri-preev ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

reprieved, reprieving.

to delay the impending punishment or sentence of (a condemned person).
to relieve temporarily from any evil.

noun

a respite from impending punishment, as from execution of a sentence of death.
a warrant authorizing this.
any respite or temporary relief.
Synonyms: postponement, deferment, stay, delay

reprieve

/ rɪˈpriːv /

verb

to postpone or remit the punishment of (a person, esp one condemned to death)
to give temporary relief to (a person or thing), esp from otherwise irrevocable harm
the government has reprieved the company with a huge loan

noun

a postponement or remission of punishment, esp of a person condemned to death
a warrant granting a postponement
a temporary relief from pain or harm; respite
the act of reprieving or the state of being reprieved

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Derived Forms

reˈpriever, noun
reˈprievable, adjective

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Other Words From

re·priever noun
unre·prieved adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of reprieve¹

First recorded in 1300–50; perhaps conflation of Middle English repreven “to contradict,” variant of reproven “to rebuke,” apparently taken in literal sense “to prove again, test again,” and Middle English repried (past participle of reprien “to bring back”), from Old French reprit (past participle of reprendre “to take back”; reprise, reprove,

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Word History and Origins

Origin of reprieve¹

C16: from Old French repris (something) taken back, from reprendre to take back, from Latin reprehendere ; perhaps also influenced by obsolete English repreve to reprove

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Synonym Study

See pardon.

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Example Sentences

TikTok on Monday filed for an emergency reprieve with the Supreme Court to buy more time before a nationwide ban was set to go into effect.

From Los Angeles Times

While the agreement states that Ms Veloso will return as a prisoner, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos could grant her a reprieve.

From BBC

They also called the stay "unwarranted" and noted that such a reprieve would go against the "deliberate choice" to set the effective date 270 days from the law's passage.

From Salon

While the lounge is a reprieve from the hustle of the main terminal area, the lack of natural light and the low ceilings mean the space can feel a bit on the cramped side.

From Los Angeles Times

As the weather cools, I find myself returning to the kitchen after months of warm-weather reprieve.

From Salon