Reprieve

usgb/rɪˈpriːv/
noun

A stop in punishment for an amount of time.

The judge granted a reprieve to the prisoner, delaying his sentence for one month.
Visual representation of "reprieve" - A stop in punishment for an amount of time

Often appears as...

  • grant a reprieve
  • temporary reprieve

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "reprieve"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Time Limited

A reprieve in the legal sense is usually temporary, not cancelling the punishment entirely.

Illustration for Time Limited
The reprieve from the court only postponed the criminal's penalty, not absolved it.
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Authority's Decision

A legal reprieve is granted by someone in authority, like a judge or a governor.

Illustration for Authority's Decision
The judge's ability to grant a reprieve saved the man from serving time immediately.
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Common Collocations

'Grant a reprieve' is a frequent pairing, denoting the action of giving someone the reprieve.

Illustration for Common Collocations
Due to the holiday, the warden granted a reprieve to the inmates.
Visual representation of the word "Reprieve"

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