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Reprieved: meaning, definitions and examples

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reprieved

 

[ rɪˈpriːvd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

legal context

To reprieve is to cancel or postpone a punishment, typically a death sentence. This term is often used in a legal context when a judge or authority grants a temporary relief from execution. It can also refer to spare someone from a difficult or unpleasant situation. The action of reprieving can also indicate a delay in consequences, providing a chance for reconsideration or appeal.

Synonyms

absolve, delay, postpone, suspend

Examples of usage

  • The governor reprieved the inmate before the scheduled execution.
  • After a long debate, the court decided to reprieve the sentence.
  • The council voted to reprieve the punishment due to new evidence.
  • She was reprieved from her duties when illness struck.
  • His appeal was successful, and he was reprieved from the harsh verdict.

Translations

Translations of the word "reprieved" in other languages:

🇵🇹 suspenso

🇮🇳 रिहाई दी गई

🇩🇪 ausgesetzt

🇮🇩 penangguhan

🇺🇦 відстрочений

🇵🇱 wstrzymany

🇯🇵 猶予された

🇫🇷 suspendu

🇪🇸 suspendido

🇹🇷 ertelemek

🇰🇷 유예된

🇸🇦 مُؤَجَّل

🇨🇿 odložený

🇸🇰 odložený

🇨🇳 延迟的

🇸🇮 odloženo

🇮🇸 frestaður

🇰🇿 тұрақтандырылған

🇬🇪 დაგვიანებული

🇦🇿 müddəti uzadılmış

🇲🇽 suspendido

Word origin

The word 'reprieve' originated in the late Middle English period, deriving from the Old French 'repriefer', which itself comes from the Latin 'reprehendere'. The prefix 're-' means 'again' or 'back', while 'prehendere' means 'to seize'. Historically, the term was primarily associated with legal contexts and became more prominent during discussions surrounding punishment and mercy. Over time, the usage of 'reprieve' expanded beyond the legal definitions to include any act of delaying or relieving from burdens, showcasing its evolution in language and application. As societies have progressed, the concept of granting a reprieve has underscored the values of compassion and justice, reflecting broader societal changes in attitudes toward punishment and rehabilitation.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,375 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.