Definition of respite noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

respite

noun

ˈrespaɪt

ˈrespɪt

[singular, uncountable]

1 respite (from something) a short break or escape from something difficult or unpleasantThe 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)2 a short delay allowed before something difficult or unpleasant must be done

Synonym

reprieveHis creditors agreed to give him a temporary respite.

Usage note: restbreak respite time out breathing spaceThese are all words for a short period of time spent relaxing.rest a period of relaxing, sleeping or doing nothing after a period of activity: We stopped for a well-earned rest.break a short period of time when you stop what you are doing and rest or eat: Let's take a break. In British English break is a period of time between lessons at school. The North American English word is recess.respite a short break from something difficult or unpleasant: The drug brought a brief respite from the pain.time out (informal, especially North American English) time for resting or relaxing away from your usual work or studies: Take time out to relax by the pool.breathing space a short rest in the middle of a period of mental or physical effort: This delay gives the party a breathing space in which to sort out its policies.(a) rest/break/respite/time out from somethingto have/take (a) rest/break/time outto give somebody (a) rest/break/respite/breathing space