1. a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant
2. a delay in punishment or the carrying out of a sentence
Usage: legal

1. to give relief or rest to; to delay or postpone
Usage: formal

Examples

• The cool evening provided a welcome respite from the heat.
• She took a brief respite from studying to grab some coffee.
• The governor granted a respite to the condemned prisoner.
• The rain gave us no respite during our camping trip.
• After months of hard work, they finally had a respite.
• The medication offered temporary respite from the pain.
• The court granted a respite in the proceedings.