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Reprieve Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reprieve

[rɪˈpriːv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal system

A reprieve is a temporary relief or delay from something unpleasant, especially a punishment. It is often granted in legal situations to postpone or cancel a sentence.

Synonyms

pardon, respite, stay.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reprieve

Used when someone is given a temporary relief from a difficult situation or a postponement of a punishment.

  • The prisoner was granted a reprieve just hours before his execution
  • The rain gave the farmers a brief reprieve from the drought
respite

Used when describing a short period of rest or relief from something challenging or unpleasant.

  • The weekend provided a welcome respite from her busy work schedule
  • After hours of non-stop meetings, he needed a brief respite
pardon

Used when someone is officially forgiven for a crime and the associated penalties are removed. It often has a formal or legal connotation.

  • The president issued a pardon to the whistleblower
  • She sought a pardon for her past mistakes
stay

Used when describing a temporary halt or suspension, especially in a legal context.

  • The judge granted a stay of execution
  • The company received a stay on the injunction against their operations

Examples of usage

  • The prisoner received a last-minute reprieve from execution.
  • The company's financial troubles were only a temporary reprieve.
Context #2 | Verb

legal system

To reprieve someone means to postpone or cancel a punishment, especially in a legal context. It is often done to grant temporary relief or delay.

Synonyms

pardon, rescue, spare.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reprieve

Used when someone is given a temporary relief from a harsh situation, typically legal punishments or dangerous situations.

  • The court granted a reprieve to the prisoner, delaying his execution
  • The rain brought a reprieve to the parched land
pardon

Used when someone is officially forgiven for a crime or wrongdoing, usually by a government official like a president or governor.

  • The governor issued a pardon for the convicted felon
  • She received a presidential pardon after serving ten years in prison
spare

Used when someone or something is saved from experiencing harm, destruction, or trouble. It can also imply leniency or mercy.

  • She begged the invaders to spare her children
  • He was lucky to be spared from the layoffs at work
rescue

Used when someone is saved from a dangerous or distressing situation, often involving physical intervention.

  • The firefighters managed to rescue the family from the burning building
  • He was a hero for rescuing the drowning child from the river

Examples of usage

  • The judge decided to reprieve the defendant's sentence.
  • The governor has the power to reprieve a prisoner's execution.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'reprieve'

The word 'reprieve' originated from late Middle English, derived from Old French 'repreve', based on Latin 're-' (expressing reversal) and 'prīmum' (first). The term has been used in legal contexts to denote a temporary relief from punishment or delay in carrying out a sentence.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,395, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.