reprieve

[US]/rɪˈpriːv/
[UK]/rɪˈpriːv/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

n. a temporary postponement of a punishment, especially the execution of a death sentence
vt. to postpone the execution of (a death sentence)

Phrases & Collocations

grant a reprieve

Example Sentences

to reprieve the prisoner

The family have won a temporary reprieve from eviction.

reprieve a condemned prisoner

He was saved from the gallows by a lastminute reprieve.

The railway line, due for closure, has been granted a six-month reprieve.

The prisoner was granted a last-minute reprieve.

The company received a temporary reprieve from bankruptcy.

The heavy rain provided a reprieve from the scorching heat.

She hoped the weekend would bring a reprieve from her stressful work week.

The doctor's diagnosis was a reprieve for the worried family.

The ceasefire provided a much-needed reprieve for the war-torn region.

The student's request for an extension was a reprieve from the looming deadline.

The unexpected snowstorm gave the city a reprieve from the intense summer heat.

The decision to cancel the project was a reprieve for the overworked team.

The weekend getaway was a much-needed reprieve from the daily stress of work.

Real-world Examples

It's a vicious cycle, with seemingly no reprieve.

Source: Newsweek

For me, coming here is a reprieve.

Source: American Horror Story Season 1

For now, Miss Murnaghan has won a reprieve.

Source: The Economist - Comprehensive

Right. Well, they are backing off. It's a 90-day reprieve.

Source: NPR News May 2019 Compilation

We lived with fear, always, and the forest gave no reprieve.

Source: VOA Standard English (Video Version) - 2022 Collection

29 other activists also facing charges may soon get a similar reprieve.

Source: NPR News December 2013 Compilation

And you'd think that might offer researchers a reprieve and easier data gathering.

Source: Science in 60 Seconds - Scientific American September 2023 Compilation

Which was supposed to be a reprieve for people who were paying off those loans.

Source: NPR News March 2022 Compilation

Richard Nixon also gave the birds a reprieve, sending his turkeys to a nearby petting zoo.

Source: PBS Interview Education Series

A French national won a two-week reprieve over the weekend.

Source: NPR News April 2015 Compilation

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