Reprieving: meaning, definitions and examples
⏸️
reprieving
[rɪˈpriːvɪŋ ]
Definition
legal context
To reprieve means to delay or suspend the punishment of someone, especially in a legal context. This is often used to indicate a temporary relief from a sentence, such as a death penalty or imprisonment. A reprieve may be granted for various reasons, including the pursuit of additional evidence, appeals, or compassion due to extenuating circumstances. While it does not cancel the punishment, it halts its immediate execution.
Synonyms
pardon, postpone, stay, suspend.
Examples of usage
- The governor decided to reprieve the sentenced prisoner pending appeal.
- The court issued a reprieve to allow for new evidence to be considered.
- Amid public outcry, the judge granted a reprieve to the defendant.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'reprivare', meaning to take back or to rescue.
- It has been used in the context of law since the 15th century, originally referring to halting executions.
- The prefix 're-' typically means again or back, while 'prieve' relates to taking or seizing away.
Historical Context
- In medieval times, reprieves were often granted to those on death row, allowing for delays in execution for various reasons.
- The concept was integral to the evolution of legal systems, introducing mercy and humanity in law enforcement.
- Famous cases, such as those of political prisoners, often involved the granting of reprieves to reconsider their sentences.
Psychology
- Studies show that giving someone a second chance can lead to positive changes in behavior and rehabilitation.
- Reprieves can often reduce stress and anxiety, allowing individuals time to reflect and improve.
- The act of offering a reprieve can also strengthen relationships, fostering trust and forgiveness.
Pop Culture
- Movies often depict the dramatic moment when a character receives a reprieve just before punishment, creating tension and relief.
- The theme of second chances is a common storyline in literature, emphasizing redemption and personal growth.
- Television shows frequently highlight characters who experience reprieves, illustrating how decisions shape story arcs.
Education
- In educational settings, reprieves can refer to extensions on assignments, allowing students extra time to succeed.
- Teachers often use reprieves as a way to motivate students, showing them it’s okay to ask for help and improve.
- Educators emphasize the importance of giving students chances to learn from mistakes, promoting growth rather than punishment.
Translations
Translations of the word "reprieving" in other languages:
🇵🇹 suspender
- comutar
- indultar
🇮🇳 रोकना
- माफी देना
- राहत देना
🇩🇪 Begnadigung
- Aufschub
- Erlass
🇮🇩 menangguhkan
- mengampuni
- memberi keringanan
🇺🇦 відстрочка
- помилування
- звільнення
🇵🇱 wstrzymanie
- ułaskawienie
- odroczenie
🇯🇵 猶予する
- 赦免する
- 解放する
🇫🇷 sursis
- grâce
- remise
🇪🇸 suspensión
- indulto
- perdón
🇹🇷 ertelemek
- affetmek
- muafiyet
🇰🇷 유예
- 사면
- 면제
🇸🇦 تأجيل
- عفو
- تخفيف
🇨🇿 odklad
- milost
- zmírnění
🇸🇰 odklad
- milosť
- zľava
🇨🇳 缓期执行
- 赦免
- 减免
🇸🇮 preložitev
- milost
- olajšanje
🇮🇸 frelsun
- tilslökun
- afsökun
🇰🇿 ұзарту
- кешіру
- жеңілдету
🇬🇪 გადავადება
- შეწყალება
- შემსუბუქება
🇦🇿 müddət uzatmaq
- əfv etmək
- yüngülləşdirmək
🇲🇽 suspensión
- indulto
- alivio
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #42,669, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.