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respite

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To respite means to delay or postpone.

(verb)

An example of to respite is to hold off discussing a specific subject at a meeting.

Respite is defined as a break or a rest.

(noun)

An example of a respite is a family vacation.

The definition of respite is a delay.

(noun)

An example of a respite is governor putting off someone’s death sentence.

See respite in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a delay or postponement; esp., postponement of the carrying out of a death sentence; reprieve
an interval of temporary relief or rest, as from pain, work, duty, etc.; lull

Origin: ME < OFr respit < L respectus: see respect

transitive verb respited, respiting

to give a respite to

See respite in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A usually short interval of rest or relief. See Synonyms at pause.
Law Temporary suspension of a death sentence; a reprieve.

transitive verb res·pit·ed, res·pit·ing, res·pites

To delay; postpone.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French respit

Origin: , from Latin respectus, refuge, looking back; see respect

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