reprieve
ri-PREEV
/rɪˈpriːv/
To delay the punishment or execution of a sentence; temporary relief from harm or discomfort.
A reprieve does not erase guilt or cancel a sentence; it merely postpones the enforcement of a penalty.
The story behind the word. From Old French 'reprendre' (re- back + prendre take), meaning 'to hold back' or 'take back'. It originally referred to holding back a prisoner who had been condemned to death.
Word relationships
- respite: Respite is general rest or pause from effort, whereas reprieve specifically implies delay of impending punishment or disaster.
- stay: A stay is a formal judicial suspension of proceedings, while reprieve focuses on delaying execution of sentence.
- execution: Execution is the immediate carrying out of a sentence.
- continuation: Continuation implies proceeding without pause or delay.
Commonly confused with
- commute: A reprieve delays punishment, whereas commute permanently reduces the severity of punishment.
Word family
- reprieved (adjective): Granted temporary relief from punishment or harm.
Collocations
- temporary reprieve
- grant a reprieve
- reprieve from execution
- welcome reprieve
Idioms & expressions
- a temporary reprieve
Example sentences
- "The appellate court granted a last-minute reprieve to allow new DNA testing before the scheduled execution." Court order
- "The sudden downpour brought a brief reprieve from the scorching afternoon heat." General usage
Memory hook
RE-PREEV = RE-retrieve or RE-take a prisoner from death row at the last moment. Reprieve = Delay the sentence.
When not to use
Do not use as a synonym for full acquittal or complete cancellation of a sentence.
Fun facts
- In 18th-century England, judges on circuit could grant reprieve 'on the spot' if a convicted prisoner displayed genuine remorse or if new facts emerged.
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