/ ˈrespaɪt; NAmE ˈrespɪt/ noun [ sing. , U ]
1.
respite (from sth) a short break or escape from sth difficult or unpleasant :
The drug brought a brief respite from the pain.
There was no respite from the suffocating heat.
She continued to work without respite.
respite care (= temporary care arranged for old, mentally ill, etc. people so that the people who usually care for them can have a rest) ➡ note at break
2.
a short delay allowed before sth difficult or unpleasant must be done
SYN reprieve :
His creditors agreed to give him a temporary respite.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French respit , from Latin respectus refuge, consideration.